After planting around 6,500 saplings of 213 rare species of timber, fruit, medicinal and flowering trees on its 100-foot-wide bank, Bharardaho Beel has been transformed into a natural, scenic and spectacular garden.
The rare species of trees have created a lush green sanctuary around the Beel, featuring incredible natural views and serving as a haven for migratory and endangered native birds, fish, animals and insects.
It has also become a popular tourist attraction.
Visitors flock daily to the water body to enjoy its revived ecosystems and biodiversity, breathing in the fresh air amidst the improved environment and natural beauty on the outskirts of Badarganj municipality in Rangpur district.
This transformation began three years ago with the re-excavation of Bharardaho Beel, covering its 11.59 acres of wetlands and the plantation of over 6,500 saplings of 213 rare species of trees on its wide bank.
The Barind Multipurpose Development Authority (BMDA) re-excavated the Beel as part of its five-year (2019–2025) project titled "Expansion of Irrigation in Greater Rangpur District through Best Uses of Surface Water and Conservation of Rainwater (EIR)."
The project aims to promote agriculture, improve livelihoods through optimal use of conserved surface water, support forestation and enhance ecosystems while reviving sanctuaries for indigenous species of fish, birds and migratory birds.
Md Habibur Rahman Khan, Project Director of the EIR project and Superintending Engineer of BMDA for Rangpur Circle, shared that people are now enjoying the spectacular charm of the re-excavated Beel, complete with greenery, flora, fauna and the graceful flying of guest birds.
"Students and teachers from various schools, colleges and universities, as well as government officials, couples, youth, and people of all ages, are visiting the Beel, which has already become a major tourist attraction in the northern region," he said.
Engineer Habibur Rahman Khan provided a detailed list of the rare species of trees planted on the banks of Bharardaho Beel.
These include Nageshwar, Naglingam, Hijal, Tamal, Kaizelia, Ashok, Gorjan, Agar, Camphor, Dhup, Telsur, Nishinda, Shawl, Teak, Sea Grape, Joyfal, Saffron, Palm, Date, Jamrul, Plum, Gab, Ata, Sharifa, Safeda, Fig, Tin, Mahua, Agnishikha, Jarul, Chatim, Kadam and many more.
Additionally, the Beel has become a haven for endangered birds such as Khanjana, Moutusi, Chatak, Jalmayur, Sarali, Pati Sarali, Pankauri, Fishranga, Finge, Shalik, Doel, Dove, Buck, Dahuk, Cuckoo, Bau Katha Kao, Chokhgelo, Owl, Bulbuli, Saheb Bulbuli, Chhatare, Basant Bauri, Sparrow, Forest Sparrow, Phatik Jal, Loriyati and Tea Birds.
Endangered animals such as foxes, wood cats, rats, various reptiles and aquatic creatures are also present in large numbers.
"The presence of such a large collection of rare species of trees, birds, and animals in one place has not only beautified the Beel but has also turned it into a unique research center for researchers, teachers, and students," Engineer Habibur Rahman added.
Dr Tuhin Wadud, an environmentalist and professor at Begum Rokeya University, praised BMDA for planting 213 rare tree species along Bharardaho Beel's banks, effectively turning it into a botanical garden-like research hub.
"Teachers, students, and researchers can conduct studies on the rare species of trees, birds and animals available in the Beel, which has become a sanctuary for a diverse range of species, including birds, animals, small fish, insects, snails, algae, mosses and aquatic plants," Dr Tuhin said.