River Atrai loses navigability, turns into vast sandbanks

During the monsoon season, the Atrai River in Dinajpur transforms into a powerful, flood-prone force, causing erosion and flooding in some parts of the riverbanks. However, as the dry season begins, large sandbanks emerge in the once swift-flowing river. The river now looks like a vast barren land or a pathway, but not long ago, large sailing boats used to navigate these waters. The river was once an essential commercial route, connecting various areas for trade and transport.

Under the 492-meter-long Zia Bridge, a significant portion of the river has now turned into sandbanks, and the little water that remains is scant. Surprisingly, floating amusement centers have even been built on the remaining water, and the riverbanks have turned into a park-like space for locals to relax and spend time. The loss of navigability in the river is evident across its various sections.

The River Atrai, which once flowed through various areas including Khanjahanpur in Dinajpur, is now reduced to a dry, barren stretch of land. The river was a vital part of the region's development, but over time, sandbanks have formed in many parts of the river, causing the river to lose its navigability. In many areas, locals have taken advantage of the land by growing different crops or planting trees.

Local residents, Masud Rana and teacher Rofikul Islam, shared their concerns, saying, “The once mighty Atrai has now turned into a dry creek. Several hundred fishing families used to depend on this river for their livelihood, but now, due to a lack of water, fishermen have been forced to change their profession. What was once a raging river is now only a barren sandbank.”

They also mentioned that during the monsoon, the river's water level rises, but it significantly recedes during the dry season, particularly in the months of Chaitra and Baishakh, when the water level drops so much that it becomes only knee-deep. During this time, people walk across the river to cross from one side to the other.

In the past, the river's roaring waves during the monsoon would create a sense of fear among the people living near the riverbanks. Numerous fishing families lived by the river, depending on the various species of fish found in abundance in the river. Fishermen would spend their days and nights fishing from boats. However, as the water levels have dropped, fish are now rare, making fishing difficult.

Locals have demanded immediate dredging of the river to restore its navigability. If the authorities fail to take proper action, the community fears that the Atrai River may completely disappear in the future.