Dredging of the river Karatoa has begun in Bogura to restore navigability of the river, fulfilling a long-cherished demand of local people.
The 17-km long dredging work, from Madla area of Shajahanpur upazila to Nawdapara of Sadar upazila, started on March 13. Around 22 percent work has already been completed.
Bogura-7 lawmaker Md. Mostafa Alam, Bogura-6 constituency lawmaker Ragebul Ahsan Ripu and Bogura Deputy Commissioner Md Saiful Islam inaugurated the dredging of the river separately from different areas.
Environmentalists and people living along the banks of river Karatoa, once known for its strong current, have expressed their joy over the work of the river.
Bangladesh Water Development Board is implementing the project titled “Dredging of river Karatoya in Bogura Deputy Commissioner’s Office and its adjacent area, and Slope Protection Work on the right bank” at a cost of Tk 36 crore.
Deputy Divisional Engineer of Water Development Board in Bogura Humayun Kabir said 17-km river from Madla area of Shajahanpur upazila to Nawdapara of Sadar upazila will be re-excavated and 730 metres riverbank from SP Bridge to DC Office will be protected. The work also includes beautification and construction of walkways. Many important establishments, including DC office, district jail and women college, will be saved through protection of river banks.
In the river where big ships used to run, now even boats don't move there. In the dry season, people cross on foot, and in the rainy season, people cross with a small bamboo bridge.
Demanding quick implementation of the project, Bogura Sadar Upazila Chairman Abu Sufian Safique said balanced development is being carried out in the country under the leadership of Bangabandhu’s daughter Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Development work is also going on in Bogura, he said.
Bangabandhu Parishad Bogura General Secretary Dr SM Millat Hossain said, “We can save the river from encroachment and pollution if Karatoa is dredged.”
Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon district general secretary M Ziaur Rahman thinks that the river will get natural water flow at least during the rainy season if it is re-excavated properly.
Water Development Board Executive Engineer Nazmul Haque said it is not possible to restore navigability of the entire river through dredging of only 17-km portion. The work of this project will be completed by June 30 next year. He also hoped that the original project would be approved before the end of this small project.