MINTU DESHWARA, Moulvibazar

The centuries-old Garer Canal, an integral part of the history and geography of Habiganj’s Baniachong, is now facing a severe crisis due to encroachment and pollution.

This 19-kilometre-long waterway was once vital for transportation, flood control, irrigation and fisheries in the vast haor region.

On the ground, illegal structures line both banks. In several stretches, parts of the waterway have allegedly been filled in to build houses and shops.

Waste from nearby markets and residential areas is being dumped directly into the canal, making the water unusable and threatening aquatic biodiversity, including native fish species.

Local farmer Mifta Mia said the canal’s declining navigability has worsened water management in the area.

“During the rainy season, waterlogging occurs due to poor drainage. In the dry season, there is a severe shortage of irrigation water. As a result, Boro cultivation on several thousand acres is being disrupted,” he said.

Resident Shahjalal Ahmed recalled a time when large boats used to ply through the canal. Now, even small boats cannot pass.

According to officials, the Bangladesh Water Development Board implemented a canal restoration and excavation project in the 2022–23 fiscal year, covering 31.6 kilometres of the main canal, including its branches, at a cost of Tk 7.12 crore.

The stated objective was to ensure year-round water retention and improve irrigation for agricultural land. However, within two and a half years of the project’s completion, locals claim there is little visible evidence of proper excavation.

Sajedul Islam, another resident, alleged that excavation work was not carried out in accordance with the approved map.

“There is no water in many parts of the channel due to unplanned excavation,” he said.

Pintu Das, a local, claimed that the actual canal lies to the west of the excavated stretch.

“They dug another channel instead of the original one. Unnecessary branches were excavated while the main canal was neglected,” he alleged.

Contacted, Sayedur Rahman, executive engineer at the Habiganj Water Development Board, said, “The contract value was Tk 7.12 crore, and our official records state that the excavation work has been completed.”

Asked about allegations of irregularities and misuse of tree-planting funds, he said he was not posted there at the time and would need to verify the details.

Another BWDB official, who did not want to be named, said, “About 70 percent of the canal has been excavated, and only 54 percent of the contractor’s bill has been paid.”

Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (BAPA) Habiganj unit General Secretary Tofazzal Sohel said the Garer Canal is not just a source of water flow, it is an important part of the environment, agriculture, and biodiversity of Baniachong.

He urged the government to adopt scientific and planned re-excavation of canals, ponds and other water bodies to preserve biodiversity and ensure water retention.