Sundari Canal Falls Into Decline
Photo: Agamir Somoy
The historic Sundari Canal at Korotia of Tangail, has fallen into severe decline as encroachment and pollution continue to erode its condition. Once a busy waterway for boat transportation, the canal has now turned into a dumping ground for waste.
Local residents said the canal was once the area's primary transportation route, but years of illegal encroachment have left it nearly dead.
Majnu Mia, who runs a tea stall beside the canal in the Talukdar Bari area of Korotia village, said Korotia Bazaar has around 1,800 shops, with much of their waste being dumped directly into the canal.
He also alleged that many people have occupied land along both banks and constructed permanent buildings.
Abdul Hamid of Solalia village said he once traveled to Korotia Bazaar by boat through the canal.
"Now there is hardly any water left in the canal," he said.
Residents also alleged that former Upazila Chairman Shahjahan Ansari approved a canal excavation project but carried out only limited work while misappropriating the allocated funds. They demanded that the canal be properly dredged to restore its navigability.
Responding to the allegations, Md. Mahbub Hasan, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Tangail, said the administration would conduct an on-site investigation and take necessary steps to remove encroachments and restore the canal's historical significance.
