The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Chittagong

Bangladesh Water Develop-ment Board (BWDB) has taken a project to re-excavate Chankhali khal (canal), one of the important canals in the southern part of Chittagong during the next dry season.

WDB officials said the government has allocated Taka 1.35 crore for re-digging nearly 2.06 km of the canal stretching from north side of the Karnaphuli river to south side of Sangu river.

Sources said the objective of the project is to restore smooth communication through the river route for ensuring proper growth of traditional salt industry on both sides of the canal in Indarpool area in Patiya and to promote agriculture by bringing more lands under irrigation progr-amme in the area. Apart from a good number of small and cottage industries, 40 salt industries are located at the Indarpool industrial zone which are mainly dependent on the water route for transporting their raw materials as well as finished products.

At least 10 thousand workers depend directly or indirectly on salt industries. Besides, farmers of West Patiya used to grow crops using the water of the canal during the dry season.

But the canal became narrow and lost its navigability due to siltation and lack of proper maintenance threatening both the water transportation and agriculture of the area.

Abdul Mannan Khan, Sub-Divisional Engineer of WDB, Patiya zone told BSS that they are taking necessary preparation to start the work of the project once the rainy season is over.

Prof. Harun-Ur-Rashid, President of Indrapool Salt Industries Owners Association (ISIOA) said production cost has been increased significantly as they have to use alternative water route to bring raw materials from Moheshkhali, Cakaria upazilas in Cox's Bazar district and Banshkhali upazila in the district due to narrowing of the Chankhali canal.

He said salt crushing industries in Indarpool area have been producing one-fourth of the country's total salt production. Locals said apart from helping the local salt industries, the re-excavation of the canal would boost agriculture production in the area.