Encroachment, pollution choke River Bhulua in Lakshmipur

Widespread encroachment, pollution, and mismanagement are obstructing the natural flow of the Bhulua River in Lakshmipur, triggering a severe ecological and agricultural crisis.

In many areas, the 71 km long, serpentine river has narrowed dramatically from around 500 metres to only 85 metres, while more than 400 metres of the river has been illegally encroached.

As a result, vast areas of Lakshmipur suffer from acute waterlogging during the monsoon season, while the natural tidal flow has nearly ceased, adversely affecting both the environment and agriculture.

Locals recalled that large boats once navigated the river, and many fishermen and their families depended on it for their livelihood. However, over the years, illegal encroachment, unplanned dam construction, waste dumping, and siltation have severely reduced the river’s navigability. During the dry season, many parts of the river can now be crossed on foot, they said.

The river originates from the Begumganj area of Noakhali and flows through Lakshmipur Sadar, Kamalnagar, and Ramgati upazilas before joining the Meghna. However, this crucial river is now on the verge of extinction.

Former panel chairman of Char Kadira area, Nurullah Khaled, said that water drainage in the area is being disrupted during the monsoon due to the siltation of the river, resulting in prolonged waterlogging of agricultural land and hindering cultivation activities.

He alleged that the natural flow of water has been blocked by dams built for fish farming, construction on occupied riverbanks, and indiscriminate dumping of waste. Many individuals have illegally claimed parts of the river as private property, he said.

Local farmers reported that thousands of acres of land in Char Kadira, Andarchar, and Torabganj unions have remained fallow for years due to persistent waterlogging. This has severely impacted the production of seasonal crops, including IRRI-Boro. Approximately 3,000 hectares of land have reportedly gone out of cultivation.

Zulfiqar Ali, a resident of Kamalnagar, warned that agriculture would face severe losses if the river’s navigability is not restored. He called for preparing a list of illegal encroachers, their eviction, and immediate dredging of the river.

Rafiqun Nabi of Char Kadira Union alleged that despite repeated complaints to the authorities, no effective action has been taken, leaving thousands of residents affected.

Zakaria Khan Sayem, principal of Lakshmipur Cambridge City College, said that dredging and restoring the river could bring a significant boost to agricultural production, revive fish resources, and reduce waterlogging to a large extent.

Nahid-uz-Zaman Khan, executive engineer of the Water Development Board, said that a feasibility study has been completed for a project aimed at reducing waterlogging and flooding in the greater Feni, Noakhali, and Cumilla regions. The project is currently awaiting approval from the Planning Commission, with priority given to dredging the Bhulua.

Kamalnagar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md Rahat Uz Zaman said, “Legal action will be taken against illegal occupants, regardless of their identity. Immediate and effective initiatives are necessary to restore the river.”