By Md Mamun Islam
 
RANGPUR, March 20, 2025 (BSS) - 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 and massive tree plantation has created eye-catching natural loveliness in Rangpur region.
 
Besides, effectively stored rainwater in these re-excavated reservoirs is contributing to reloading groundwater tables and conserving surface water and its optimal utilization in agriculture and household activities.
 
Rural people are reaping multidimensional returns from the project through promoting agriculture, pisciculture, tree plantation, farming vegetables, banana and grass to feed cattle heads and rearing ducks to improve livelihoods.
 
The whole watery areas of re-excavated beels and ponds are now full of the chirping of various guest birds and huge varieties of lost rare species of trees on the banks creating sight-beholding scenes amidst greenery all around.
 
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 in greater Rangpur region.

Talking to BSS, Project Director of the EIRP and Superintending Engineer of BMDA for Rangpur Circle Engineer Habibur Rahman Khan said many people are enjoying enormous benefits from the project.

The implementation of the project has promoted agriculture making best uses of conserved surface water, forestation and improved environment and biodiversity and revived sanctuaries for local and migratory birds.
 
Under the project, re-excavation of extinct rivers, canals, beels and ponds, installation of low lift pumps, solar power-run dug-wells and construction of foot-over bridges and cross dams and tree plantation have been implemented.
 
Re-excavation of these water bodies has increased water holding capacity, facilitated drainage of rain and floodwater and waterlogged lands become suitable for agriculture and stored water is being used for agricultural, household and other activities.

Farmers are providing supplementary irrigation to croplands using conserved surface water in re-excavated water bodies reducing dependence on groundwater and producing more crops at lower cost to earn extra profits.

Talking to BSS, villagers in the project area said that they are witnessing revival of the lost ecosystems around the re-excavated the extinct water bodies with fresh environment and biodiversity again after four decades.
 
Re-excavation of the water bodies has created opportunities for people to use surface water for irrigation, household activities, forestation and rearing ducks, farming fish, banana, vegetables and Napier grass on the banks.
 
Farmer Mashiur Rahman of village Sangkarpur in Badarganj upazila said re-excavation of the extinct river Mora Teesta has revived water flow in the river improving drainage of rain and floodwater to free vast areas from water logging.
 
"The re-excavated river carried out rainwater swiftly to the river Jamuneswari freeing my 2.62 hectares of land from water-logging and enabling me in cultivating Aman rice on the land after four decades," he said.
 
Housewife Hosne Begum of village Jharpara in Kalupara union said she is improving her livelihood by rearing ducks and farming banana and vegetables on the river Mora Teesta following re-excavation of the river. 
 
Farmer Golam Mortuza of village Kazipara in the same upazila said, "Re-excavation of the extinct river Ghirnoi has freed my 1.50 hectares of land from water-logging," he said, adding that he is cultivating three crops on the land now annually after four decades.
 
Mohammad Tuhin Mia of nearby Kuthipara village said he is fishing in the re-excavated river Ghirnoi where nature has become green following plantation of tree saplings on the banks.
 
Meanwhile, a sight beholding landscape has been created following re-excavation of the Bharardaho Beel alongside plantation of 213 species of rare wood, fruit, medicinal and flower plants on its 100-feet wide bank in Badarganj upazila of Rangpur.
 
"The whole Beel area is covered with the chirping of thousands of guest birds amid greenery all-around and free movement of their wings is attracting everyone," said Golzar Rahman of the nearby village.
 
The Beel with abundantly growing flora and fauna has become a sanctuary for native fishes and birds in revived ecosystems and people are rushing there to enjoy the beauty of green nature and sprouting flowers.