Photo: BSS

RAJBARI, June 16, 2026 (BSS) - A five-kilometre canal re-excavation project alongside a large-scale tree plantation programme involving 2,000 saplings has been inaugurated in Kalukhali upazila of the district under the government's Employment Generation Programme for the Extremely Poor (EGPP).

The initiative was formally launched on Monday morning in Majbari union under the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief. 

The canal, which stretches from Kumorgara Beel through Gorai Tikri Beel and Munai Beel to Betbaria, is being re-excavated to improve water retention and irrigation facilities in the area.

Kalukhali Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md. Mejbah Uddin inaugurated the tree plantation programme. Among others present at the event were Upazila BNP President Md. Lutfar Rahman, Project Implementation Officer Nimai Chandra Roy and Majbari Union Parishad Chairman Kazi Shariful Islam.

Speaking to BSS, UNO Mejbah Uddin said the canal re-excavation has been undertaken as a priority pilot project and is expected to be completed within the stipulated timeframe.

He said that palm trees, which play an important role in reducing the impact of natural disasters, including lightning strikes, are gradually disappearing from the landscape.

To address this concern, authorities have planned to plant 2,000 saplings, primarily palm trees, along both sides of the canal.

“Already, 200 palm saplings have been planted, and the remaining plantation work will be completed within the next week,” he said.

Local residents and farmers welcomed the initiative, expressing hope that the project would bring significant environmental and agricultural benefits.