The Forest Department officially started re-excavation and renovation of the lake on February 7 under the Salban Restoration Project. Photo: BSS

TANGAIL, March 10, 2026 (BSS) - Renovation work on Gargaria Lake in Madhupur National Park has begun with the aim of protecting biodiversity and resolving the water crisis faced by wildlife in the forest.

The Forest Department officially started the re-excavation and renovation of the lake on February 7 under the Salban Restoration Project. According to officials, the project is currently in its final stage.

However, a section of the local small ethnic communities has expressed concern that the re-excavation of the lake could damage upstream agricultural land. Forest officials say the concerns are based on misinformation and that all measures are being taken to prevent such damage.

Madhupur Garh, which covers about 45,565.18 acres of forest land, is home to various wildlife species including chitra deer, maya deer, mukhpora hanuman and numerous birds and animals. Gargaria Lake was originally excavated in the 1970s to ensure a reliable water source for these animals.

Over the last 55 years, no major initiative was taken to re-excavate or maintain the lake. As a result, much of the lake gradually filled with sediment, and the water level dropped to zero during dry seasons, creating a severe water shortage for wildlife.

The Forest Department initiated the renovation project with several objectives, including ensuring year-round water supply for wildlife and birds, protecting the wetland ecosystem and aquatic life, creating a water source for extinguishing forest fires during dry seasons, and providing irrigation support for agricultural activities of ethnic communities in nearby Gaira village.

Officials said the lake's depth is being increased to retain water throughout the year. Soil removed during excavation is being deposited on abandoned land inside the forest area, at least half a kilometer away from local farmland, to avoid damage to cultivated fields.

The project was inaugurated by Divisional Forest Officer Dr. Abu Naser Mohsin Hossain along with Joyenshahi Adivasi Unnayan Parishad President Eugene Nakrek, Madhupur National Park Co-Management Committee President Lal Mia, and other local dignitaries.

Deputy Range Officer of the National Park Sadar Range Mosharraf Hossain said the excavation work is being carried out carefully to ensure nearby agricultural land remains unaffected.

Eugene Nakrek said that many members of the local ethnic community have paddy fields upstream of the lake. He said a canal dug in 1977 to drain excess water is now in poor condition and needs to be re-excavated to prevent potential flooding of farmland. Despite the concerns, he acknowledged that renovating the lake will help ensure safe drinking water for wildlife in the forest.

Divisional Forest Officer Dr. Abu Naser Mohsin Hossain expressed optimism about the project, saying that once the renovation is completed, Gargaria Lake will play a vital role in maintaining the ecological balance of Madhupur Garh and supporting the survival of its wildlife.