The Bhairab river, once a potential, is now a problem, creating environmental hazards for the people of Jessore.

The river flowing through Jessore town and Jhenidah district was navigable in 1960s; and steamers, launches and boats plied it carrying merchandise. It was a good source of fishes.

It started dying after construction of the Farrakka Barrage on the Ganges by India. It gradually silted up as the water flow decreased.

Over the years, raising of bamboo barriers by so-called fish farmers at many points and encroachment by landgrabbers hastened its death. Such illegal encroachments are seen all along the river from its entry to Bangladesh at Basundia in Jessore Sadar upazila.

The encroachers have built houses, shops, factories and even multistoried buildings on both banks of the river in the town. Now, all the garbage, filth and even swears generating in the town are dumped in the river, which create health and environment hazard.

It is a good breeding ground of mosquitoes and germs.

The river is dead from Babla Tala to Barandi Para in the Sadar upazila.

Despite these obstacles, the river is still alive in Noapara industrial town in the downstream.

The government did not take any step to free the river from encroachers despite demands were made on numerous occasions by people of all classes since 2001.

In the face of people's demand for re-excavation of the river, people, the Development Board (WDB) had prepared a 'project concept paper' (PCP) involving Tk. 81.54 crore, to be implemented in three years, to restore the river.

The project involved Tk 40 crore for dredging of 25 kilometres from Basundia to Rajarhat, Tk 10 crore 87 lakh for re-excavation of 78.5 kilometres from Taherpur by labourers, Tk 3 crore for construction of five water control infrastructures, Tk 10 crore for construction of 20 bridges and Tk 2 crore for digging 50 kilometres of connecting canals.

The project documents said once re-excavated, the river would be able to provide irrigation water during dry season and drain out excess water in rainy season. Besides, the at least 50,000 fishermen families could be rehabilitated.

But the project papers are gathering dust in ministries concerned, WDB sources said.

A committee comprising representatives of all classes of people has been formed to press re-excavation of the river. The committee members include former principal Sharif Hossain, Dr. Rabiul Haq, advocate Enamul Haq, Awami League leader Bimol Roy Chowdhury and Workers Party leader Iqbal Kabir Zahid. There is none from ruling BNP in the committee.

The committee held its first meeting on Friday and discussed programmes to realise the demand.

Talking to this correspondent, some members of the committee said once restored, the river could also add to the beauty of the town by creating parks and planting trees on both sides. This would also create entertainment facilities.

They said they will prepare a programme for beautification of the river banks.