Re-excavation of extinct reservoirs improving environment, biodiversity in northern region

Re-mining of extinct reservoirs like rivers, canals, beels and ponds is improving the environment and biodiversity alongside reviving ecosystems amid improving the climate in the region.
 
With bringing a balance in nature, amply stored rainwater in these re-excavated reservoirs is contributing to reloading groundwater tables, conserving surface water and agriculture and household activities.
 
Many people are reaping benefits by promoting agriculture, pisciculture and tree plantation along with farming vegetables, banana, and Napier grass to feed cattle heads and rearing ducks to change fortunes.
 
Implementation of the 'Expansion of irrigation in greater Rangpur district through best uses of surface water and conservation of rainwater (EIR) project (2019-2025) have made these positive changes possible and created a beautiful landscape.
 
The watery areas and forests on the banks of re-mined reservoirs are now enchanted with the chirping of the guest birds and rare species creating spectacular scenes to attract everyone.
 
Barind Multipurpose Development Authority (BMDA) under the Ministry of Agriculture is implementing the project at Taka 288.11 crore in 35 upazilas of Rangpur, Nilphamari, Kurigram, Lalmonirhat and Gaibandha districts in greater Rangpur region.
 
Talking to BSS, farmers, villagers and housewives said they are witnessing huge positive impacts of the project and revival of the lost ecosystems with fresh environment and biodiversity again after three to four decades.
 
Farmer Mohammad Kaikobad of village Baro Badnapara in Pirganj upazila of Rangpur said re-excavation of the extinct Chatra canal has freed farmlands from water-logging making those cultivable, enabling farmers to cultivate three crops annually.
 
"Many farmers, men and women are cultivating vegetables, banana and Napier grass on the banks and rearing ducks and fishing in the re-excavated canal to get better livelihoods," he said.
 
Farmer Badsha Miah of village Bhagbanpur in Mithapukur upazila said re-excavation of the Shalmara canal has freed his three acres of land from water-logging enabling him to cultivate three crops annually amid an improved environment.
 
Housewife Nur Salma of village Betgara in the same upazila said the re-excavation of the Shosthichhara Beel with the plantation of saplings on the bank has improved the environment and changed the ecosystems benefiting hundreds of local people.

Housewife Hosanna Begum of village Jharpara in Badarganj upazila of Rangpur said she has been improving her livelihoods by rearing ducks and farming bananas and vegetables since the re-excavation of the river Mora Teesta three years ago.
 
Similarly, housewives Zilapi Bala and Shefali Khatun of village Boxiganj Kuthipara in the same upazila said the re-excavation of the extinct river Ghirnoi and forestation on its banks has improved biodiversity and environment like a divine blessing for them.
 
Fishermen Ramjan Ali, Abu Taher, Mohammad Hameem and Mohammad Tuhin of nearby Kuthipara village said they are fishing in the re-excavated river Ghirnoi where nature has become green following plantation of tree saplings on the banks.
 
Meanwhile, aesthetic scenery has been created following the re-mining of the extinct 11.59-acre Bharardaho Beel and the plantation of 205 species of rare wood, fruit, medicinal and flower plants on its 100-feet wide bank in Badarganj upazila of Rangpur.
 
"The whole Beel area witnesses thousands of guest birds and free movement of their wings attracting everyone amidst a dream-like green environment all-around," said Abul Hossain of nearby village Dangapara.
 
The Beel with abundantly growing trees, plants, flora and fauna has become a sanctuary for birds in revived ecosystems and people are rushing there to enjoy the beauty of green nature, sprouting flowers and chirping of thousands of local and guest birds.
 
Project Director of the EIRP and Superintending Engineer of BMDA for Rangpur Circle Md Habibur Rahman Khan said thousands of people have started getting huge benefits in revived ecosystems and improved environment from implementation of the project.
 
"The project is being implemented to cope with adverse impacts of climate change and promote agriculture making the best use of conserved surface water, forestation and revival of lost ecosystems and sanctuaries for local and guest birds," he said.