The government has undertaken a Tk2,335 crore project to dredge and preserve the banks of Bangali River in three districts including Bogra.
The project, being implemented by Bangladesh Navy, is expected to aid farmers for irrigation facilities especially during dry spells, say people familiar with the matter.
Around 217 kilometres of the river will be dredged up from Gaibandha to Bogra, which will ensure that there is enough water in the river to sustain aquatic life and prevent the extinction of local fishes.
According to Water Development Board Engineer Mahbubur Rahman, the project launched in June 2019 and will be completed in 2023.
“Around 40% of the work is done,” he said adding that the delay was caused by the pandemic.
Nearly Tk 2,000 crore has been allocated for the dredging while the rest will be used to restore and preserve the bank.
The dredging of 99 kilometre of the river on the from Bogra’s Sherpur to Shonatala has already started which will cost Tk750 crore.
According to Mizanur Rahman, who operates the dredging machines, around 550 cusec metres can be dredged up in around 18 hours.
Workers further said, that around 150 machines are being used for the work in the Sirajganj to Gaibandha end.
According to locals, currently farmers have to rely on shallow dredging machines during weathers when the water in the river is scarce.
Shonatala Upazila Agriculture Officer Masud Ahmed said after the project is completed, waterflow will be there throughout the year.
Meanwhile, local fishes will not go extinct and farmers will no longer have to rely on ponds for fishes, says Fisheries officer Hafizur Rahman.
