Pagla river enters into Bangladesh from India through Sona Masjid area of Chapainawabganj. After traversing some 41-kilometre of rough and turbulent waterways connecting Kansat,Taktipur, Bohulabari, Ghorapakhia of Shibganj Upazila, Satororoshia and Chama of Chapinawabganj Sadar upazila, the Pagla confluences with the river Mohananda at Kalinagar point of Chapainwabganj.
In the course of time, the river Pagla had turned stagnant and filled up completely. But, with the initiative of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the riverbed has been excavated and it has now once again revived to its full vigour with the strong flow of the current of turbulent water.
According to sources, to revive the navigability of Pagla river, it was included in the Delta plan initiated by Sheikh Hasina. Accordingly, the project of digging of the river was prepared by including it under ' Reexcavation project of small rivers, canals and water bodies in 64 district s(first phase)'.
The Pagla river re-excavation project also includes re-excavation of five canals connecting Pagla covering 32-kilometre long. The works of the project started in April last year and the re-excavation works of Pagla river is now at its final stage and already the river has been filled with water full to its brim.
Water Development Board office sources in Chapainawabganj informed, to ensure digging of the river in due time, the project was divided into six packages.
Later on, contractors for implementing the works were appointed through open tendering method where four contractual farms were offered the work of re-excavating the filled-up river bed of Pagla river at a cost of Taka 48 crore 96 lakh. The tenure of the project will end in November but already the re-excavation work has nearly been completed.
Contractors responsible for completion of the project informed the work of re-excavation of the riverbed was not easy. Dozens of brick kilns were set up by occupying river beds, many permanent and temporary infrastructures were established at the banks of the river and crops were being cultivated by local influential by grabbing the filled up river bed.
Those illegal river-bed and river banks grabbers resisted the re-excavation works. With the help of local Member of Parliament, local administration and the officials of Water Development Board, the river bed and both banks of the river were freed from the grip of illegal occupiers and ultimately the 41-kilometre long with an average of 35-metre wide and the nine-metre deep river has been re-excavated.
A bridge has been constructed on the river at Rahichar area.
Afsar Ali, a resident of Rehaichar village said, everyone could cross the river on foot except during the monsoon. Now, after digging the river, the river is filled with deep water. The local people will be greatly benefitted from the water of this re-excavated river round the year.
Habibur Rahman, Chairman of Sunderpur union under Chapainawabganj sadar upazila informed, one the Pagla river was turbulent with strong current but the river gradually turned stagnant and ultimately becomes a dead river. Now, the river got its rebirth with its full vigour, current and navigability.
People living surrounding the river have caught huge fishes during this monsoon which they failed to catch during the last 20-30 year. Farmers living beside the river are using water of the river for the purpose of cultivation of land. If such water continues to flow through the river, it will greatly benefit the people and the natural surroundings.
Dr. Shamil Uddin Ahmed Shimul, Member of Parliament of Chapainawabganj-1( Shibganj) informed, the flow of water has been increased through the river due to re-excavation of the river.
Fishes in the river have also been increased. He vowed to plant trees and construct walkways along both sides of the river and to further enhance the beauty of the river. He further mentioned, a river-ambulance has been procured to carry patients through the river from char villages.
Syed Shahidul Alam, Executive Engineer of WDB, Chapainawabganj informed, as a priority project initiated by honourable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, more than 90 per cent works of excavation of river bed has been completed and the rest of the work will also be completed in due time. Already the river has been filled with water. Now, the water will stay in the river round the year. However, he said, a dam will be constructed at the downstream of the river to retain water in the river all time of the year.
Expressing his gratitude to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Jamat Khan, President of Bangladesh Poribesh Abdolon, said due to excavation the Pagla river has got back its past glory and vigour. He demands, all the stagnant rivers and canals of the country should be re-excavated gradually to revive the past glory of riverine Bangladesh.