Photo : BSS

By Md Mamun Islam 

RANGPUR, Sept 19, 2025 (BSS) - A number of places of the greater Rangpur have turned into spectacular greens improving the environment and reviving ecosystems following planned re-excavation of extinct rivers, canals, beels and ponds.
 
With the massive plantation of trees on the banks of the reclaimed reservoirs, the wetlands and newly created forests are now mesmerized by the chirping of birds and the rustling of rare species of trees, creating a picturesque scene that attracts everyone. 
 
In addition to maintaining the balance of nature, the abundant rainfall stored in the reclaimed reservoirs is contributing to reloading the groundwater table, conserving surface water, and agricultural and domestic uses.
 
Many are benefiting from agriculture, fisheries, and tree plantations, as well as growing vegetables, bananas, and Napier grass to feed livestock, and raising ducks to change their 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. 
 
Barind Multipurpose Development Authority (BMDA) under the Ministry of Agriculture has implemented the project at Taka 288.11 crore in 35 upazilas of Rangpur, Nilphamari, Kurigram, Lalmonirhat and Gaibandha 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.
 
Farmers Mohammad Ali and Kaikobad Hossain of village Baro Badnapara in Pirganj upazila of Rangpur said re-excavation of the Chatra canal and tree plantation on its banks have created an eye-catching greener look along with freeing farmlands from water-logging.

"Many farmers are cultivating three crops annually, men and women are cultivating vegetables, banana and Napier grass on the banks and rearing ducks and fishing in the re-excavated canal water to get better livelihoods," Kaikobad said.
 

Farmer Badsha Miah of village Bhagbanpur in Mithapukur upazila said re-excavation of the Shalmara canal and tree plantation on the banks hav created a divine look with greenery all-around and freed his three acres of land from water-logging.
 
He cultivates three crops annually on his land amid an improved environment, biodiversity and ecosystems all-around in the area.
 
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 people.
 
Housewife Hosne Ara 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.
 
Similarly, housewives Zilapi Bala and Shefali Khatun of village Bakshiganj 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.
 
Abdul Haque, Fuad Mia, Ramjan Ali, Abu Taher and Tuhin Mia 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-excavation of the extinct 11.59-acre Bharardaho Beel and the plantation of 213 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 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.
 
EIR Project Director and Superintending Engineer of BMDA for Rangpur Circle Md Habibur Rahman Khan said that thousands of people are benefiting from the revitalized ecosystem and greenery as a result of the implementation of the project. 
 
"The project has been implemented to promote agriculture by making the best use of the preserved surface water, afforestation, and reviving lost ecosystems and sanctuaries for local and guest birds, insects, animals, and other living creatures," he said.