Rangpur: Successful implementation of the ‘Expansion of irrigation in greater Rangpur district through best uses of surface water and conservation of rainwater (EIR)’ project has improved the environment, reviving lost ecosystems. Under the government’s five-year term (2019-2025) project, re-excavation and proper management of extinct rivers, canals, beels, and ponds, along with massive tree plantation, have transformed the Rangpur region.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, effectively stored rainwater in these re-excavated reservoirs is contributing to reloading groundwater tables and conserving surface water for its optimal utilization in agriculture and household activities. Rural people are benefiting multifold from the project through promoting agriculture, pisciculture, tree plantation, and farming of vegetables and other crops, which in turn is improving livelihoods.
The Barind Multipurpose Development Authority (BMDA) under the Ministry of Agriculture is implementing the project, spending Taka 288.11 crore in 35 upazilas of Rangpur, Nilphamari, Kurigram, Lalmonirhat, and Gaibandha districts. Project Director of the EIRP, Engineer Habibur Rahman Khan, noted that many people are enjoying enormous benefits from the project, as it has promoted agriculture by making best use of conserved surface water and improved the environment and biodiversity.
The project’s implementation involves re-excavation of extinct rivers, canals, beels, and ponds, installation of low lift pumps, solar power-run dug-wells, construction of foot-over bridges and cross dams, and tree plantation. These efforts have increased water holding capacity, facilitated drainage of rain and floodwater, and made waterlogged lands suitable for agriculture. Farmers are now using conserved surface water for irrigation, reducing dependence on groundwater and increasing crop yields at lower costs.
Villagers in the project area have witnessed the revival of lost ecosystems around the re-excavated water bodies, experiencing a fresh environment and biodiversity after four decades. The re-excavation has allowed for surface water use in irrigation, household activities, and farming, contributing to economic improvements for locals.
Farmer Mashiur Rahman from Sangkarpur village shared how re-excavation of the extinct river Mora Teesta has improved drainage, freeing his land from water-logging and enabling rice cultivation after decades. Other locals like Hosne Begum and Golam Mortuza have also reported improved livelihoods through activities like duck rearing and crop cultivation facilitated by the project.
The project has not only revitalized ecosystems but also created picturesque landscapes, such as the Bharardaho Beel, where the plantation of rare plant species has turned the area into a sanctuary for native fishes and birds. People are drawn to these revived natural settings, enjoying the newfound beauty and biodiversity.