AHMED HUMAYUN KABIR TOPU, Pabna

The progress of a Tk 1,554.90 crore mega project aimed at reviving the Ichamati river in Pabna has hit a snag due to numerous legal battles over disputed land, casting uncertainty over its timely completion.

The three-year project -- launched in June last year -- targets 110 kilometres of dredging work, including 33.77km of the river itself, 44.07km along canals connecting it, 20km of the Sutikhali river, and 12.37km of the Bharara canal.

According to Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB), the initiative is being implemented by the Bangladesh Army’s Engineering Division.

The plan also includes extensive construction -- 10km of retaining walls, 10km of drainage lines, 23 bridges, 56 quays, and a 10km walkway. A total of 42,310 trees will be planted along the walkway in Pabna municipality.

“Once completed, Ichamati will regain its former flow, river communication will be restored, and its banks will become tourist attractions,” said project director Sudhangsha Kumar Sarkar, also superintendent engineer of BWDB in Pabna.

He added that the river would reconnect with the Padma and Jamuna rivers, and a pumping station will ensure water flow during the dry season.

Currently, 162 excavators are involved in dredging, with 26km of the river and 5km of canals already completed up to the Fakirpur bridge, said warrant officer Md Saiful Islam of the Bangladesh Army, who is posted in the project area.

However, dredging a 5km stretch through Pabna municipality has become challenging due to land disputes.

Over the years, riverbanks have been encroached upon through forged documents. BWDB identified 1,053 illegal structures on the Ichamati’s banks -- most of which were demolished before the project began. But many encroachers have since filed 87 court cases, stalling further work.

“We’re engaging in legal battles, but these processes take time,” said Md Mosharaf Hossain, assistant director of BWDB in Pabna.

During a recent visit, this correspondent saw several signboards along the riverbank declaring legal proceedings over land claims.

Regarding the stalled dredging, Saiful Islam said, “We will continue with the work by bypassing the disputed land, as we cannot act beyond court orders.”

Environmental activists blame poor planning. Md Abdul Hamid Khan, secretary of Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon in Pabna, said, “The authorities didn’t demarcate the river before starting the project. According to High Court orders, CS (Cadastral Survey) records must be used for river demarcation. But encroachers made fake documents with help from local officials.”

He called the situation a result of official negligence.

Md Masudur Rahman Mintu, an alleged land grabber, claimed many residents have lived on the banks for decades and possess valid documents.

“We’ve been paying taxes and hold three to four official records. We don’t oppose the project -- but if our land is needed, it should be acquired lawfully,” he said.

Pabna Deputy Commissioner Md Mofizul Islam said the administration is pursuing legal resolutions and will act upon the court’s decisions.