Rajshahi: The Barnai River, known for its snake-like course through Rajshahi and adjoining districts, is set to undergo significant dredging work aimed at restoring its navigability and ensuring year-round water retention. Originating from the Atrai River in Patnitala Upazila, the Barnai flows through several upazilas before finally draining into Chalan Beel.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Rajshahi Water Development Board is spearheading the dredging project, which will cover a 13-kilometer stretch across Bagmara, Puthia, and Durgapur upazilas in Rajshahi. This initiative is part of a larger effort to rejuvenate the river, combat pollution, and eliminate illegal occupations along its banks. The comprehensive project aims to dredge 29 kilometers of the river, clean 63 kilometers of pollution, and free 92 kilometers from encroachment.
The dredging work will involve two primary segments: a 4.5-kilometer stretch from Shilmaria Union in Puthia to Goalkandi Union in Bagmara, and an 8.5-kilometer st
retch from Kismat Gonkoir in Durgapur to Taherpur Municipality in Bagmara. The estimated costs for these works are Taka 16.66 crore and Taka 26.84 crore, respectively. Dredging will be executed with a width of 20 to 30 meters and a depth of 1.5 to 3 meters, addressing both navigability and water retention issues.
Flood-induced obstructions and declining river water levels have adversely impacted the region’s economy, reducing fish production and hampering irrigation. Historical accounts, such as those by William Wilson Hunter, highlight the Barnai’s past navigability, which has deteriorated due to pollution and encroachment. The current state of the river, plagued by waste from nearby municipalities and industrial activities, calls for urgent intervention.
The project, titled ‘Rejuvenation, Pollution Control, and Eviction of Illegal Occupation of the Barnai River in Rajshahi and Natore Districts,’ is budgeted at Tk 49.25 crore and is slated for completion by June 2027. River conservation activists have long
advocated for measures to save the Barnai, emphasizing the need for waste treatment plants and re-excavation to preserve the region’s agricultural and ecological balance.
Arifur Rahman Ankur, Executive Engineer of the Rajshahi Water Development Board, confirmed that approval for the dredging has been secured and the tender process finalized. Work is expected to commence soon, with additional proposals for dredging other rivers and canals pending ministry approval.