Shyamasundari Canal: Once Rangpur’s lifeline, now merely a drain

Many Rangpur dwellers, including Maharani Shyamasundari, died following an outbreak of mosquito-borne malaria in 1890s.

Her son,  Raja Janaki Ballab later undertook an initiative to dig a canal in the town to curb mosquito breeding. After the 16km long and 100 feet wide canal was dug, the king named it after his late mother.

Originating from the Ghagat river in Kellaband area of southwestern Rangpur, this canal fell on the Gorai river in Khoksha, after flowing through various places including  Pasharipara, Keranipara, Munsipara, Engineerpara, Palpara, Gomastapara, Senpara, Tetultola, Mulatol and Boiragipara.

Apart from controlling mosquito menace, the canal was the biggest source of clean water for Rangpur residents.

Due to encroachment and dumping of wastes, this canal, once considered the lifeline of Rangpur, has been reduced to nothing but a narrow drain.

The canal has now turned into a breeding site for mosquitoes, everything it once stood against.

During a recent visit, this correspondent found that the canal has been turned into a landfill. Most people throw their household wastes into it.

Meanwhile, commercial and private structures have been set up illegally on both sides of the canal. Besides, its water flow is clogged due to low depth.

Hyacinths and weeds have completely taken over the waterbody. Locals alleged that industrial wastes are also being dumped there.

Over the time, the administration has made a list of 443 encroachers. But locals claim that the actual number is more than double than what is being shown by the authorities.

However, none came on record to share their ordeal due to fear of possible repercussions from the land grabbers.

In 2007 and 2014, the local administration started a drive against encroachers, which came to an early end on both occasions due to "invisible pressure", locals claimed.

Besides, Tk 25 crore was also spent for the renovation of the historic canal, but the fund was allegedly misused.

In a recent visit to Rangpur, Syeda Rizwana Hasan, chief executive of Bela (Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association), expressed her dismay over the matter.

"The canal is now merely a drain. It happened due to unabated pollution and encroachment. It's the responsibility of the state to restore the canal to its original shape."

Echoing the same, Prof Fakhrul Anam, president of Sushasoner Janno Nagorik (Sujan) in Rangpur, said waterlogging has become a regular thing in the city because of the canal's current situation.

"Even it's hard to breathe near the canal due to the garbage dumping," he said.

Contacted, Mostafizar Rahman Mostafa, the incumbent mayor of Rangpur city, said the canal would be renovated soon after necessary funds are arranged.