Locals demand River Ghaghat dredging without altering its natural course

Residents affected by river erosion have urged the authorities to dredge the River Ghaghat as per its historical course, without changing its direction, as dredging preparations are set to begin after Eid. 
They hope such measures will help reclaim thousands of acres of land lost to the river over the years while preserving the river’s natural flow.
The Ghaghat is a key waterway spanning approximately 236 kilometres through Nilphamari, Rangpur, and Gaibandha districts, originates from the River Teesta in Jaldhaka upazila. Once a vital navigable channel, the river has become silted and partially dry in many areas, transforming into what locals describe as a “dead canal” during the dry season. This has created challenges for navigation, agriculture, and flood management.
“Due to lack of water, there are no fish, and we cannot cast our nets,” said Rabdas Majhi, a fisherman from Barabil Union, highlighting the economic toll on local communities dependent on the river for their livelihoods.
Experts warned that even a slight rise in water levels during the monsoon could increase the risk of erosion and flooding because of the river’s reduced navigability. Over time, silt accumulation has also blocked the river’s natural drainage, contributing to seasonal flooding and low water levels in dry months.
Historically, the Ghaghat has been central to the region’s irrigation and drainage systems. About 135 years ago, the then Maharaja of Dimla, Janakiballabh Sen, dug the 10-kilometre Shyamasundari canal in memory of his mother, connecting it to the Ghaghat, a crucial waterway that still drains Rangpur city.
While previous governments have attempted various restoration projects, locals continue to see new chars emerging along the river, particularly in Gangachara upazila, which threaten fish habitats and the livelihoods of fishermen. Residents and experts alike are calling for careful dredging that restores navigability and preserves the river’s original path.