S DILIP ROY, Lalmonirhat

The Alaikumari river in Rangpur is now on the verge of oblivion, choked by years of encroachment, heavy siltation, and unchecked cultivation.

Once a vibrant waterway, stretching around 26 kilometres across Rangpur district with a width of about 45 metres, the Alaikumari has deteriorated into a 10-15-metre-wide lifeless canal over time.

According to the Bangladesh Water Development Board, the “endangered” river originates in Kalyani union under Rangpur Sadar upazila and joins the Ghaghat river in Pirgachha upazila.

Jagadish Chandra Barman, 86, of Kalyani village, recalled, “My childhood memories are tied to Alaikumari. Back then, the river had a strong flow of water all year round. Now it resembles a dead canal. People are cultivating on the riverbed. The river must be saved for our environment, biodiversity, and agriculture.”

Local fisherman Subhash Das, 65, said, “Once, the river was full of fish, generating livelihood for many fishermen even two decades back. Now you won’t find any fish. The river is gone, and so are the fish.”

Nitesh Kumar Sarker, a local river advocate, stressed the need for collaboration between the administration and local communities to revive the Alaikumari and other rivers in Rangpur.

At least 42 rivers in Rangpur district are now facing a similar plight. Experts warn that without immediate state intervention under the National River Conservation Commission; these rivers could disappear completely.

Tuhin Wadud, director of Riverine People, and also a professor of Bangla at Begum Rokeya University Rangpur, said, “To keep the Alaikumari river alive, encroachments must be removed, and all dams and roads built over it should be cleared. If necessary, scientifically designed bridges can be constructed for communication.”

Rabiul Islam, executive engineer of BWDB in Rangpur, said, “We are trying our best to identify and restore the rivers of Rangpur. However, we often face resistance from illegal occupiers. The important rivers must be saved at any cost.”