A renewed clean-up drive of the Barishal Jail Khal (canal) started in Barisal city with citizens lending a hand to revive and maintain its navigability and free the waterway from the clutches of encroachers. The exercise is intended to make it fit for water transport.

The newly appointed divisional commissioner of Barishal Ram Chandra Das inaugurated the drive in a programme at Nathullabad area of the city as the chief guest.

The programme was organised by the Barishal district administration. DC Barishal Md. Habibur Rahman presided, while local invitees spoke on the occasion. The current drive will continue till the canal is cleaned completely. It was first cleaned on September 3, 2016.

DC Barishal Md. Habibur Rahman said that the 3-km-long canal had been earlier freed from land grabbers. About 500 people from different walks of life took part in the cleaning drive this (Saturday) morning at 30 points along its course. He said not only Jail Khal but all the 23 canals of the city will be revived and made navigable. A proposal in this regard is already under the consideration of  Ecnec.

Mentioned that the Barishal District Administration ended the first phase of erecting boundary pillars on the bank of Jail Khal to prevent encroachment and grabbing. This work started two years ago at the Kirtonkhola River point and ended at the Nathullabad point.

At least 200 encroaches had crossed the canal boundary, affecting its navigability. Barishal district administration sources said more than a hundred illegal structures including 5 multi-storied buildings, hundreds of shops constructed on both sides of the canal were evicted under a special drive.