People from 15 upazilas of Pabna, Natore, Rajshahi and Sirajganj districts yesterday joined a rally demanding steps to save the Boral river.

Boral Protection Movement, Bangladesh Paribesh Andolon (BAPA) and Bangladesh Paribesh Network (BEN) jointly organised the rally on the premises of Chatmohar upazila parishad.

Speakers at the rally urged the government to take up proper steps, including removal of cross dams and sluice gates to revive the 220-km-long river route.

In the first phase of the programme held at noon, Boral movement activists

highlighted the heritage of Boral River and discussed the adverse impact of the gradual destruction of Boral River on the environment in northern districts.

Shipping Minister Shahjahan Khan spoke as the chief guest in the second phase of the rally in the afternoon.

Convener of Boral Protection Movement Gour Chandra Sarkar chaired the occasion.

The Boral River, originating from the confluence of the Padma at Charghat in Rajshahi district and flowing through 15 upazilas of Rajshahi, Natore, Pabna and Sirajganj districts, has lost its navigability as there are five sluice gates and around 20

cross dams, speakers said at the function.

The river, once serving as important river link across Chalanbeel areas between Padma and Jamuna rivers, also played vital role for maintaining environmental balance in the region but it has turned into a narrow canal due to the government's immature planning, they said.

"The gradual destruction of the river started in 1985 when the then government set up two sluice gates at Charghat and Nurnagar points of the river. Two cross dams were also set up in Chatmohar upazila under the district, dividing the river into four parts," said Md Mizanur Rahman, a key

organiser of 'Boral protectionmovement'.

"Later many dams and sluice gates were set up in 220 km river, causing damage to the river. People of Chalanbeel area have started movement to save the river as it is of vital importance for them, especially for agriculture and business,” he said.

Secretary of BAPA Dr Abdul Matin, Coordinator of BEN Dr Md Nazrul Islam, Joint Secretary of BAPA Sharif Jamil, Chatmohar upazila Awami League Secretary Shakhawat Hossain Shakho and upazila BNP Secretary Prof Abdul Mannan spoke on the occasion, among others.