Mir Khairul Alam, Satkhira
To strengthen water security and enhance climate resilience in the southwestern region of Bangladesh, the official inauguration of the Kalinchi Canal restoration was held today, 29 April 2025, with support from Islamic Relief Bangladesh. The canal was formally opened for community use by Ms. Roni Khatun, Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) of Shyamnagar.

The event was also attended by Abdullah Al Rifat, Assistant Commissioner (Land); Miraz Hossain Khan, Project Implementation Officer (PIO) of Shyamnagar Upazila; Talha Jamal, Country Director of Islamic Relief Bangladesh; Enamul Haque, Head of Programmes; Panel Chairman of Ramjan Nagar Union Parishad, Union Parishad members, and members of the Canal Management Committee.

Facing the threats of natural disasters, increasing salinity, water scarcity, and declining agricultural production due to climate change, the re-excavation project marks a significant milestone for Shyamnagar Upazila. The canal measures approximately 2,300 feet in length, with a width of 61 feet at the top and 40 feet at the bottom. Identified through community consultations under Ward and Union Management Committees, the project was later incorporated into the Local Adaptation Plan of Action (LAPA) and Community Risk Assessment (CRA) processes, eventually receiving final approval from the Upazila Disaster Management Committee.

Islamic Relief Bangladesh contributed BDT 3 million to implement the project, while the local community is contributing around BDT 300,000 for the construction of a wooden bridge over the canal.

Through the joint efforts of civil society, development agencies, government institutions, and local communities, this initiative has become a model of sustainable, community-led climate adaptation.

“This canal restoration is more than just a development project—it is a symbol of people’s power to adapt and thrive,” said Talha Jamal, Country Director of Islamic Relief Bangladesh. “With better water access, the community can improve food production, harvest rainwater, and recharge groundwater. This is what sustainable, community-led adaptation looks like- he added”.

UNO Ms. Roni Khatun remarked, “This initiative proves that real change is possible through effective partnerships. Community-led planning combined with Islamic Relief’s technical and financial support made this possible.”

This community-led planning process ensured that local needs were genuinely addressed, presenting a unique example of participatory and inclusive development. The re-excavated canal will help store rainwater during the monsoon, improve groundwater recharge, and supply water for irrigation during droughts. As a result, more than 10,000 people in the surrounding areas will be able to increase agricultural production and strengthen food security. Furthermore, the canal will play a crucial role in reducing the negative impacts of climate change by supporting sustainable water management in saline-prone areas. A wooden bridge is also planned to be built over the canal, which will improve communication and connectivity for residents on both sides. This initiative is a strong example of how community-driven planning and collaboration can build long-term solutions to climate challenges.