Photo: BSS

RAJSHAHI, Jan 6, 2026 (BSS) - An illegitimately filled-up pond is being re-
excavated aimed at restoring its previous shape in Panchabati area in 
Rajshahi city.
 
According to the sources concerned, the 70-decimal pond was being filled up 
slowly during the last couple of days by some of the alleged land-grabbers.
 
Administrative officials conducted a sudden drive in the pond area to recover 
the pond, as there are instructions against filling up ponds in the city 
area.
 
Commissioner of Rajshahi Division Dr ANM Bazlur Rashid led the drive this 
afternoon, instructing the restoration of the pond as early as possible.
 
Deputy Director of the Department of Environment Tasmina Khatun and Assistant 
Commissioner (Land) Arif Hossain were present at the drive.
 
Commissioner Dr Bazlur Rashid, who is also administrator of RCC, said the 
persons who were involved in the pond-filling malpractice will be brought to 
book.
 
He also said the expenses for the re-excavation activities will be realized 
from the fillers.
 
Dr Bazlur Rashid said no one would be allowed to fill up the ponds, adding 
there were 729 ponds and canals in the metropolis in 2002 but the number of 
those water bodies dwindled to 393 at present due to filling up and unplanned 
urbanisation.
 
As surface water level has been declining at an alarming rate, dependence on 
groundwater has increased lowering the level of groundwater table in the last 
couple of years, he said.
 
The situation worsens during the dry season leaving most of the manual tube 
wells useless.
 
"We have no other choice but to conserve surface water resources to keep the 
level of the groundwater table intact," said the divisional commissioner.
 
 He further viewed that the preserved water bodies would provide firefighters 
with water in extinguishing any fire incident in the city.