GAIBANDHA. June 5: The river Ghagot (lowing through Gaibandha Pourashava has been silted up as a result boats cannot ply causing much inconvenience to the Inhabitants of the localities. Originated from a large marsh about hundred kilometre long river Ghagot lastly falls into the Brahma putra at Rasoolpur under Gaibandha sadar thana.

Due to consecutive siltation the river become almost dry and lost its usual navigability. The • transport cost of merchandise to and from the hats and bazars of distant locations has much increased due suspension of plying boats. This enhanced cost of transportation of merchandise Invariably affecting the price of different essential commodities.

The adverse impact of the drying up river also affected the cultivation Irri-Boro crops on the vabt tracts of agriculture lands. During winter season power.pumps do not find water reservoirs to irrigate agriculture peld. in many points of this river from which water is pumped out in the paddy fieldgo almost dry and the water level of the river goes down in time of need. Consequently power pumps installed at various places along the vast tracts In the down stream are tendered virtually inoperative and useless. As a result production of Irri-Boro crops are being hampered due to short supply of water. This area is a flood af fected zone and now Irri-Boro crops are the main item here.

If the river can be re-excavated upto such a level that it can accommodate water in all season, thousands of farmers from both the sides of river can produce huge Irrl and Boro paddy, vegetables and sugar-cane.

Earlier there was continued water flow In all season but due to rapid siltation the river lost its usual course of water flow and the area become covered with water hyacinth caused breeding of mosquitos.

It is felt that the re-excavation of river Ghagot has become inevitable to arrest flood water, ensure fertility on both the side of river and to promote trade and commerce through river route. Moreover the river will ensure the livelihood of thousand of fishermen through fishing profession.

Local people urged upon the concerned authority to take necessary step to re-excavation of river Ghagot with immediate effect.