Remove embankments, save Boral river and Chalan Beel

Demands human chain in Chatmohar upazila of Pabna

15 March 2009, 18:00 PM

Our Correspondent, Pabna

People from cross sections of people have demanded removal of 'unplanned embankments' to save Boral River and Chalan Beel, the largest water body in the northern region. They joined a human chain and a discussion on the bank of Boral River in Chatmohar upazila under Pabna district on Saturday afternoon. NGO Chalan Beel Udyog Society in cooperation with Bangladesh Paribesh Andolan (Bapa) organised the programme where a large number of people including teachers, politicians, social workers and journalists took part. Speakers at the discussion demanded removal of the 'unplanned' embankments on the river to help the river regain its normal flow. Boral River originating from the Padma at Charghat point in Rajshahi flows around the Chalan beel areas in Pabna and Natore districts and makes a link among Padma, Jamuna and Chalan Beel. But unplanned embankments, constructed during the 1980s, at places along 120km of Boral River from Charghat of Rajshahi to Nurnagar of Chatmohar point obstructed its natural flow, speakers said. Negative impact on Boral River and Chalan Beel due to man's immature act also caused immense harm to huge fish resources in the area, they said. “We have launched a movement demanding removal of the unplanned embankments so that the river can flow easily. It is essential to save Chalan Beel, the largest water body in the northern region,” said SM Mizanur Rahman, executive director of Chalan Beel Udyog Society. Chairman of Chalan Beel Udyog Society Dr Anjon Bhattacharya, veteran politician Babu Gourachandra Sarkar, president of Chatmohar Press Club Helalur Rahman Jewel, schoolteacher Sajahan Ali spoke, among others, on the occasion.