Introduction
The rivers of Keshabpur upazila in Jashore—particularly the Harihar and Buribhadra—are on the brink of an environmental and infrastructural crisis. Once lifelines for the region’s water drainage and agriculture, these rivers are now choked with water hyacinths, silt, and encroachments. With the onset of monsoon, residents are sounding the alarm on a potential flood disaster unless urgent action is taken. The long-overdue river dredging projects, which could restore the rivers’ natural flow, remain stuck in limbo, adding to the growing concerns.
The Crisis: Rivers Reduced to Hyacinth Beds
Water hyacinths have overtaken large sections of the Harihar and Buribhadra rivers, effectively blocking natural water flow. This blockage not only hampers irrigation and navigation but also disrupts drainage during heavy rains. The situation is so dire that the rivers now resemble stagnant marshlands rather than flowing water bodies.
Local farmers and residents of over 50 villages, which depend on these rivers for floodwater drainage, are particularly vulnerable. Without functional drainage channels, waterlogging and crop damage become inevitable during the monsoon season. Last year, severe flooding in low-lying areas in and around Keshabpur municipality submerged roads, homes, and farmland, causing both economic loss and public distress.
Community Appeals Go Unanswered
Despite growing concern, there has been little visible action. In 2023, members of the civil society submitted a six-point memorandum to the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) of Keshabpur. The demands included immediate removal of water hyacinths, dredging of the riverbeds, and taking action against illegal river encroachments. The memorandum emphasized the urgency of restoring river navigability and protecting the livelihoods of those dependent on these waterways.
However, the local administration and the Water Development Board have yet to implement substantial measures. This prolonged inaction has heightened public frustration, with many citing bureaucratic delays and a lack of funding as significant obstacles.
Importance of River Dredging
River dredging is critical in situations like this. It involves the removal of sediment, debris, and aquatic vegetation, such as water hyacinths, from riverbeds to restore natural flow and depth. Dredging not only improves drainage and prevents flooding but also enhances water quality, restores ecosystems, and enables better navigation.
In Jashore, effective dredging of the Harihar and Buribhadra rivers could alleviate many of the region’s water-related problems. Without it, the rivers continue to deteriorate, and the risk of severe flooding grows each year.
Moreover, the 600-meter-long Khojakhali canal, which connects the Shreeganj Bridge area to the Harihar River, remains unexcavated. This canal plays a key role in draining water from the Bolodhali Beel and approximately 26 surrounding villages. Without its excavation, water cannot properly flow into the Harihar River, creating yet another bottleneck in the drainage system.
Proposals and Promises
According to Suman Shikder, sub-divisional engineer at the Keshabpur Water Development Board, several dredging proposals have been submitted. These include:
- Dredging 25 km of the Harihar River (second phase)
- Dredging 35 km of the Buribhadra River (first revised plan)
- Dredging 18.5 km of the Upper Bhadra River
- Dredging 21 km of the Hari-Teligati River
The board has also outlined a comprehensive plan to excavate 10 rivers and canals across the upazila, including the Khojakhali canal. The construction of 30 new bridges and culverts has also been proposed to support improved water flow and connectivity.
Provisions for removing water hyacinths are explicitly included in the plan, indicating awareness of the issue. However, these remain plans on paper. Without the necessary funding and administrative urgency, implementation has yet to begin.
Residents Call for Immediate Action
The people of Keshabpur and Monirampur are now once again rallying for immediate action. Their demands include:
- Clearing of water hyacinths from river surfaces
- Excavation of river sources to restore natural flow
- Action against illegal encroachments that block the riverbanks
- Desilting of riverbeds
- Drainage of 27 local beels (wetlands)
- Regulation of groundwater extraction by fish farm owners
These are not just environmental demands; they are urgent calls for disaster prevention. Floods have both short-term and long-term consequences, from displacement to soil degradation and loss of agricultural productivity.
The Risk Ahead
If the 35-kilometer stretch of the Buribhadra River from Keshabpur to Mongolkot is not dredged soon, the consequences could be catastrophic. Entire villages located along the river basin are at risk of inundation, and poor drainage infrastructure will only worsen the impact.
Inaction now could lead to long-term damage, not just to property and infrastructure, but also to the region’s agricultural base and ecological balance. While the Water Development Board awaits funds to implement its proposals, each passing monsoon season erodes the resilience of local communities.
Conclusion
The river dredging crisis in Jashore is emblematic of broader water management challenges in rural Bangladesh. Despite local initiatives and government proposals, the gap between planning and execution continues to put lives and livelihoods at risk. The people of Keshabpur have made their needs clear; now it is up to the authorities to respond with urgency and efficiency.
Only through timely dredging, sustainable river management, and community engagement can the Harihar and Buribhadra rivers once again fulfill their vital role in protecting Jashore from the rising threat of floods.