By Md Mamun Islam
 
RANGPUR, Jan 1, 2025 (BSS) - After planting some 6,500 saplings of 213 rare 
and rare species of timber, fruit, medicinal and flower trees on its 100-
foot-wide bank, Bharardaho Beel has now literally become a natural, scenic 
and spectacular garden.

Rare species of trees have created a luxurious garden with green spaces and 
incredible natural views around the Beel, making it a sanctuary for migratory 
and endangered native birds, fish, animals and insects and also a place of 
tourists' attraction.
 
Many people are visiting the water body everyday to enjoy the revived 
ecosystems, biodiversity and breathe amidst improved environment and 
instinctive beauty on the outskirts of Badarganj municipality in Rangpur 
district.

All these things are happening since re-excavation of the Bharardaho Beel 
with its 11.59 acres of wetlands and plantation of over 6,500 saplings of 213 
rare species of wood, fruit, medicinal and flower plants on its wide bank 
three years ago. 

Barind Multipurpose Development Authority (BMDA) has re-excavated the Beel 
under its five-year (2019-2025) 'Expansion of irrigation in greater Rangpur 
district through best uses of surface water and conservation of rainwater 
(EIR) project'.  

The project is being implemented to promote agriculture and livelihoods 
making best use of conserved surface water, forestation and improve 
ecosystems and revive sanctuaries for indigenous species of extinct fishes, 
birds and traveling birds.

Project Director of the EIR project and Superintending Engineer of BMDA for 
Rangpur Circle Engineer Md Habibur Rahman Khan said people are enjoying the 
spectacular charm of the re-excavated Beel with greenery, flora and fauna, 
guest birds and their gracious flying. 
 
"Many students and teachers from various schools, colleges and universities 
and government officials, couples, youth and common people of all ages are 
visiting the Beel, which has already become a tourist attraction in the 
northern region," he said.
 
Engineer Habibur Rahman Khan informed BSS about the list of rare species of 
trees planted on the banks of Bharardaho Beel.
 

The planted trees include Engineer Habibur Rahman Khan presented a complete 
list of rare species of trees planted on the banks of Barardah Beel to this 
BSS correspondent. 
 

Some of the planted trees on the banks of Bharardaho Beel include Nageshwar, 
Naglingam, Hijal, Tamal, Kaizelia, Ashok, Gorjan, Agar, Camphor, Dhup, 
Telsur, Nishinda, shawl, teak, sea grape, joyfal, saffron, palm, date, 
jamrul, plum, gab, ata, sharifa, safeda, Fig, Tin, Mahua, Agnishikha, Jarul, 
Chatim and Kadam and so on.
 

In addition, endangered birds like Khanjana, Moutusi, Chatak, Jalmayur, 
Sarali, Pati Sarali, Pankauri, Fishranga, Finge, Shalik, Doel, Dove, Buck, 
Dahuk, Cuckoo, Bau Katha Kao, Chokhgelo, Owl, Bulbuli, Saheb Bulbuli, 
Chhatare, Basant Bauri, Sparrow, Forest Sparrow, Phatik Jal, Loriyati, Tea 
Bird are seen abundantly in the Bharardaho Beel now.

 
Besides, endangered animals like foxes, wood cats, rats, various types of 
reptiles and aquatic animals are seen in a large number there.
 

"The collection of such a large number of extinct species of trees, birds and 
animals in the same place has not only beautified the Beel, but also turned 
it into a unique center for conducting research work by researchers, teachers 
and students," Engineer Khan added.
 

Director of Riverine People and Begum Rokeya University Professor 
environmentalist Dr Tuhin Wadud lauded BMDA for planting 213 rare species of 
trees on the Bharardaho Beel banks turning the place into a botanical garden-
like research centre too. 
 
"Teachers, students and all concerned can conduct research on rare species of 
trees, birds and animals available in the Beel, which has become a sanctuary 
for birds, animals, small fish, insects, snails, algae, mosses, aquatic and 
stemless aquatic plants," he said.