Discussion meeting in Gurudaspur upazila held ahead of the Boral River Convention on 5th May 2019
Discussion meeting in Gurudaspur upazila held on 1st March 2019 ahead of the Boral River Convention
The Boral River, once serving as a major water route of 15 upazilas in Pabna, Sirajganj, Natore and Rajshahi districts, now can hardly be recognized as a river during the dry season as unplanned construction of cross dams has wreaked havoc on its flow. Once the Boral river connecting 30 small rivers in Chalanbeel, serves as a main water provider there. But its flow stagnated as four cross dams and three regulators were set up in 1980s in name of fishing projects.
In support from Blue Planet Initiative (BPI), Boral Protection Movement and Bangladesh Paribesh Andolon (BAPA), Upazila River Save Committee organized the discussion meeting in upazila agricultural office of Gurudaspur upazila, Natore. The meeting was chaired by Municipality Mayor Shahnewaj Ali and chief guest was UNO Mohammad Monir Hossain.
SM Mizanur Rahman, Member Secretary of Boral Protection Movement, said, “In order to save Chalanbeel, all the rivers and canals connected to it, including the Padma and Jamuna rivers should be brought under the dredging. Also, occupation of the river should be stopped while occupied areas must be recovered.” Although, dredging started in some parts Atrai and Gumani river, but contractor leaving dredged soil inside the river. He argued Government should keep close monitoring the whole process to make it effective. Speakers also urged the government to take up proper steps, including removal of cross dams and sluice gates to revive the 220-km-long river route.
