Water Resources Minister Md. Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee on Saturday said the government will continue dredging and re-excavation of canals to address waterlogging, boost agricultural production, and protect the environment.

He made the remarks while inaugurating the re-excavation work of the Rajapur�"Debinagar canal at Uttar Joypur union under Lakshmipur Sadar upazila, where he attended as the chief guest.

The minister said that dredging rivers, canals and other water bodies would improve water flow, ensure irrigation facilities during the dry season and enhance fish production.

He added that continued canal excavation would help reduce waterlogging, expand cultivable land and support environmental conservation.

Highlighting the benefits of the project, Anee said that the re-excavation of the Rajapur�"Debinagar canal would provide irrigation support to local farmers and help protect residents from waterlogging during the rainy season.

He also said that trees would be planted along both sides of the canal to protect the environment, while the project would create employment opportunities for local people.

The minister further stated that Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman had initiated an agricultural revolution through canal excavation and under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, a similar transformation in agriculture would be achieved through renewed initiatives.

He added that canal excavation and re-excavation works have already been launched in 54 districts in the first phase.

According to him, the government has set a target to excavate 20,000 kilometres of rivers and canals over the next five years.

Under the Employment Generation Programme for the Poorest (EGPP) of Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, around 9 kilometres of the Rajapur�"Debinagar canal are being re-excavated at a cost of Tk 21.5 million.

In addition, he inaugurated another canal re-excavation project covering 6.62 kilometres from Mora Meghna to Char Martin in Lakshmipur Sadar upazila, with an estimated cost of Tk 18.5 million.

The event was presided over by Lakshmipur Deputy Commissioner SM Mehdi Hasan.

Additional Superintendent of Police Hossain Md. Raihan Kazmi, Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Kathoaiyapru Marma and Bangladesh Football Federation Vice President Wahid Uddin Chowdhury Happy were also present as special guests.