Monsur Alam, Pabna : The Ichamati River is set to reclaim its previous vitality, with a restoration of its water flow leading to cleaner waters suitable for swimming and fishing. If walkways are constructed along both banks, residents will have the opportunity to enjoy leisurely strolls, enhancing the recreational offerings of the area.
The successful execution of the Ichamati River Rejuvenation mega project will transform Pabna into a modern, eco-friendly city. I extend my heartfelt thanks to the river conservation movement, the dedicated leaders of Pabna, the Bangladesh Army, the contractors, and the citizens of Pabna, particularly those in the city. Today, I officially launched the excavation work for the Ichamati River in Pabna with your support. I am optimistic that, with the collaboration of the people of Pabna, we will complete the river excavation on schedule, God willing. During the inauguration ceremony for the Ichamati River excavation, Pabna Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Mofizul Islam expressed these sentiments yesterday, Saturday, in front of Atua Primary School along the banks of the Ichamati in the city.
The opening ceremony was attended by Pabna Water Development Board Supervising Engineer Sushar Kumar Sarkar, Executive Engineer Mahabubul Alam, political leaders, officials from the Bangladesh Army 24 Engineer Construction Brigade, representatives from MS Ahad Builders, Pabna Water Development Board officials, local dignitaries, and journalists from both print and electronic media.
Meanwhile, on the opposite bank of the river, a significant human chain was formed as part of the Ichamati River rescue movement in Pabna, advocating for the restoration of the Ichamati River in accordance with the Hon’ble High Court’s directive and urging the prompt commencement of dredging activities in the city. The event was chaired by president SM Mahabub Alam, who introduced the chief guest, Managing Director of Mahyatar Greece City and educationist Alhaj Mahyatar Uddin Biswas. He remarked that despite previous allocations for the dredging of the Ichamati River, no progress has been made.
The current operations of the army will ensure that the residents of Pabna receive the Ichmati river they have long desired. After a prolonged wait for the city to commence mining activities, we are pleased to announce that it has finally begun. As river and environmental activists, we are filled with joy today. Furthermore, any obstacles to river mining will not be tolerated. The government has allocated funds specifically for those directly affected. We stand in solidarity with them, and the Deputy Commissioner will take the necessary actions in this matter. A significant number of women and environmental activists from Pabna participated in the human chain.
It is important to highlight that the mega project for the reclamation of the Ichamati River includes 110-14 km of river re-dredging, the construction of 10 concrete retaining walls within the city, the establishment of 10 drainage systems on both sides of the river, the construction or renovation of 20 bridges, the development of 56 platforms along both banks of the Ichamati, the creation of 10 km of walkways on either side, and the planting of 310 trees across 42 species. The project completion date is set for March 31, 2027, with a budget allocation of 1,554 crores for the Ichamati River Rejuvenation initiative.
