District Correspondent, Sylhet:
There are 106 small and large rivers in Sunamganj district. Over the years, mountain runoff, flooding, and sedimentation have filled up almost all of these rivers to varying degrees. The Old Surma River, in particular, has nearly turned lifeless due to sediment accumulation. However, the Water Development Board has stated that various projects have already been undertaken to save the rivers.
According to investigations, many of the once-mighty rivers of riverine Bangladesh are now a shadow of their former selves. Sedimentation and sand deposition have elevated the riverbeds, causing navigability crises. The Old Surma River in Sunamganj is one such example. This 72-kilometer-long river flows through Sunamganj, Shantiganj, Derai, and Shalla upazilas before joining the Dhanu River in Netrokona.
Once navigable by cargo ships and launches, this river has now become impassable even for dinghy boats due to sedimentation and sand deposition. The elevated riverbed is now being used by locals for paddy cultivation, cattle grazing, and even as playgrounds.
Not just the Old Surma River, but all 106 rivers in the district face the same fate. Particularly, rivers like Jadukata, Rakti, Boulai, and Patlai, originating from Meghalaya Hills in India and flowing through Tahirpur, Bishwambharpur, and Jamalganj upazilas, have also been filled with sand and sediment brought by mountain runoff. As a result, severe navigability crises have emerged along 136 kilometers of waterways, stranding over a hundred cargo vessels.
Arifur Rahman, a resident near the riverbank, said, “At one time, ships, launches, and large boats used to navigate these waterways. The rivers were full of fish, and river-centric businesses thrived. But over time, sedimentation has turned these rivers into dead zones.”
Azad Mia added, “We want every river in Sunamganj to be dredged as soon as possible. This will restore the rivers’ vitality.”
Executive Engineer of the Water Development Board, Mamun Howlader, said, “A project worth around Tk 2,000 crore has already been undertaken to save all the rivers in Sunamganj. Initiatives will soon be taken to dredge them.”
Timely dredging of these rivers will not only restore their former glory but also revive waterway-based trade and commerce, boosting the district’s economy.
