The Jalkadar canal at Banshkhali in Bangladesh, is almost dead due to encroachment and sedimentation
Banshkhali Upazila, located in the Chattogram District, epitomizes a picturesque blend where the grace of hills meets the serenity of the sea. The canal flowing through the chest of this Upazila is known as Jalkadar canal. Jalkadar Canal covers a large part of the heritage of this Upazila of 150 square miles.
The Jalkadar River meets the Sangu River near Ishwarbabu’s hot point and Jalepara in Ratarkul village, located on the northern border of Khankhanabad.
The Jalkadar Canal flows from the Sankh River through Khankhanabad, Baharchhara, Kataria, Saral, Gandamara, Shilkoop, Chanua, and Shekerkhil, and re-enters the Bay of Bengal in the south.
Traders from Banshkhali used to transport goods from Chattogram using boats along the Jalkadar Canal on the Sankh River. Most of the Jalkadar canal has been taken over by illegal encroachers, preventing businessmen and the public from using the facilities they once had. Now that picture is not as visible as before.
This canal is becoming narrow due to encroachment and filling. As a result, there is considerable difficulty in boat movement. As a result traders are not able to transport goods as before.
The markets of Jaliyakhali Bazar, Banglabazar, Sarkarhat, and Shekerkhil are bustling hubs for the sale of fish. As there is a fair flow of water in these parts of the canal, there is movement of fish boats and other boats.
Again, occupation in these areas has increased, which is noticeable. Apart from this, multi-storied buildings have been built on the bank of the canal.
Houses have been built by occupying pastures and dams. Many people have come from other places to build their houses and live there.
Most sluice gates that control water flow from the eight hill ranges in eastern Banshkhali and Jalkadar canal are blocked or shut, causing even minor rainfall to flood the areas east of the canal.
The Jalkadar canal is important for the community, but it’s occupied by squatters, causing water drainage problems for the residents. If there is little rain, the farmer’s crop land is submerged in flood water. As a result, from the farmers to the common people are suffering.
In other words, this once important traditional Jalkadar canal is not what it used to be. The evolution of time has lost its form and youth. Currently, the Jalkadar canal is virtually inactive. However, such a thing in this riverine country is of great concern to the conscious community.
But if the canal is dug and restored, thousands of acres of land will come under cultivation. Immense potential will be created in agricultural products, salt farming, fish production and tourism.
This Jalkadar canal will make a big contribution to the national economy of the country, not just bamboo. Appropriate measures should be taken for this.
If the Jalkadar Canal is neglected, it will not only result in economic losses but eventually lead to the complete loss of the canal. Rediscovered waters restore its vanished youthfulness.
