Rangpur: The re-excavated Bharardaho Beel, with its lush green gardens and thousands of guest and indigenous birds, is captivating visiting tourists and local people. The 11.59-acre wetland is located on the outskirts of Badarganj Municipality in Rangpur district and has become a revived ecosystem and biodiversity hotspot, attracting numerous visitors who come to enjoy its improved environment.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Bharardaho Beel has been transformed into a sanctuary for migratory and endangered native birds, fish, animals, and insects, becoming a major tourist attraction. This transformation was achieved through the re-excavation of the wetland and the planting of 213 rare species of timber, fruit, medicinal, and flowering plants on its wide banks.
The Barind Multipurpose Development Authority (BMDA) re-excavated the Beel under its recently implemented five-year project titled 'Expansion of irrigation in greater Rangpur district through best uses of surface water and conservation of rainwater (EIR)'. This initiative, running from 2019 to 2025, has turned the Beel into a picturesque garden with a revitalized ecosystem, thanks to the planting of over 6,500 saplings along its 100 feet wide banks.
Local students Jahanara Begum and Anwar Hossain noted the Beel's revival as a symbol of natural beauty and ecological balance. They suggested replicating this success in other extinct water bodies across the country to mitigate climate change impacts.
Visitors like Mohammad Amin and Nur-e-Jannat from Dinajpur district described the Beel as an eco-park and sanctuary for native and migratory species, including birds, fish, and aquatic plants. They emphasized the Beel's allure, stating that once visited, one would be reluctant to leave.
Speaking with BSS, Md Habibur Rahman Khan, EIR Project Director and BMDA's Superintending Engineer, mentioned that the Beel has become a popular tourist attraction in the Rangpur region. Visitors include people of all ages, students, government officials, and couples, all drawn by the Beel's vibrant flora and fauna.
The diverse species planted on the Beel's banks include Nageshwar, Naglingam, Hijal, and many others, providing a habitat for thousands of guest birds and endangered indigenous birds such as Khanjana, Moutusi, and Chatak. In addition to birds, the Beel supports a variety of endangered animals like foxes, wood cats, and reptiles.
Habibur Rahman Khan highlighted the Beel's role as a research hub, with its rich biodiversity drawing researchers, teachers, and students. Dr. Tuhin Wadud, Director of Riverine People and an environmentalist at Begum Rokeya University, praised the Beel for reviving the ecosystem amid the extinction of native species due to climate change, noting its botanical garden-like appearance that captures the hearts of visitors.