‘Canal Man’ Laungi Bhuiyan’s Unfinished Dream Gets New Life as CWS Launches Green Land and Irrigation Initiative
Gaya: An inspiring story from Kothilwa village in the Naxal-affected Lutua Panchayat of Bihar's Gaya district is entering a new chapter. Laungi Bhuiyan, the 75-year-old farmer popularly known around the world as the "Canal Man," is now set to see his long-cherished dreams carried forward. The Centre for World Solidarity (CWS), a Hyderabad-based social development organization headquartered in Secunderabad, Telangana, has taken the initiative to fulfill his unfinished vision of water conservation, irrigation development, and sustainable agriculture.
The organization has launched a comprehensive development program focused on food security, nutrition, water conservation, agricultural development, and irrigation facilities in the region. The initiative is expected to improve the lives of farmers while reducing migration by creating better livelihood opportunities in the remote village.
A Title Earned Through Dedication
Laungi Bhuiyan did not inherit the title of "Canal Man."
He earned it through more than three decades of relentless hard work, determination, and unwavering commitment to water conservation. Working almost entirely on his own, he carved a canal through a rocky hill so that rainwater, which had long gone to waste, could reach agricultural fields and provide irrigation to local farmers.
His extraordinary achievement has become an inspiring example of perseverance and community service across India and beyond.
Water Scarcity Changed the Village's Fate
Kothilwa village is surrounded by dense forests and rugged hills.
For many years, rainwater flowed away without benefiting local agriculture. Farmers depended almost entirely on seasonal rainfall, resulting in poor crop yields and financial hardship.
The lack of irrigation also forced many young people to migrate to other states in search of employment.
Five-Kilometre Canal Carved Through a Hill
Determined to solve the village's irrigation crisis, Laungi Bhuiyan undertook the remarkable task of carving a five-kilometre-long canal through a hill.
Without modern machinery or significant financial assistance, he worked tirelessly for years. Eventually, the canal began carrying rainwater to nearby fields, helping farmers irrigate their crops and improving agricultural productivity.
His achievement remains a symbol of dedication and selfless service.
CWS Takes Forward His Mission
As Laungi Bhuiyan grew older, many of his development plans remained unfinished.
Now, the Centre for World Solidarity (CWS) has stepped forward to continue his mission.
The organization's objective is to strengthen water conservation, improve agricultural productivity, enhance food security, and promote sustainable environmental development throughout the region.
Technical Survey Completed
CWS engineer Shankar Da and his technical team have completed a detailed survey of Laungi Bhuiyan's work and the surrounding geographical conditions.
Based on the findings, the organization is preparing plans to expand irrigation facilities and maximize benefits for local farming communities.
Green Land Campaign Begins
Under its Green Land Programme, CWS has launched a major environmental and rural development campaign in the area.
The initiative focuses on community tree plantation, water conservation, soil conservation, and sustainable management of natural resources.
Experts believe that increased plantation will improve groundwater recharge, conserve rainwater, and contribute to long-term environmental sustainability.
Team of Experts and Social Workers Involved
The campaign is being led by CWS Director Manmay Singh, State Programme Officer Tulika Mukherjee, Block Coordinator Ramlakhan Prasad, and social workers Radheshyam Thakur, Sonam Kumari, Samta Kumari, and Bimla Kumari.
The team aims to actively involve local communities in development activities and ensure long-term sustainability.
Farmers Expected to Benefit
If successfully implemented, the project is expected to provide improved irrigation facilities to farmers across Kothilwa and nearby villages.
Better water availability is likely to increase agricultural productivity, reduce farming costs, and improve farmers' incomes.
Reducing Migration Through Rural Development
For many years, inadequate irrigation and limited employment opportunities forced many young villagers to migrate to other states in search of work.
Development experts believe that strengthening agriculture and water resources will generate local employment opportunities and significantly reduce migration from the region.
Environmental Conservation at the Core
The Green Land Campaign extends beyond irrigation.
It also seeks to promote environmental conservation, biodiversity, and climate resilience through large-scale plantation and sustainable resource management.
Increasing green cover is expected to improve ecological balance and support long-term rural development.
A New Ray of Hope for Villagers
Residents of Kothilwa say that Laungi Bhuiyan dedicated much of his life to improving the future of his village.
Seeing an organization continue his mission has filled the community with hope and pride. Villagers believe that these initiatives could transform the region in the coming years.
An Inspiration for Future Generations
Laungi Bhuiyan's story demonstrates how determination, perseverance, and commitment to society can create extraordinary change.
Despite limited resources, he accomplished what many believed impossible, making him an enduring symbol of water conservation and community-driven development.
The remarkable journey of "Canal Man" Laungi Bhuiyan from Kothilwa village in Gaya district continues with renewed momentum as the Centre for World Solidarity (CWS) works to fulfill his unfinished vision. Through initiatives focused on water conservation, irrigation development, afforestation, and sustainable agriculture, the organization hopes to improve livelihoods and accelerate the region's social and economic development.
Laungi Bhuiyan's life remains a powerful reminder that determination, hard work, and a commitment to public welfare can overcome even the greatest challenges. The continuation of his mission is expected to inspire future generations while creating lasting benefits for rural communities.
