The Boral River has regained its flow after 41 years following the removal of sluice gates that had long choked its navigability and water supply.
Sub-divisional Engineer Partha Sarker confirmed that three sluice gates were dismantled as part of the restoration and Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) carried out the initiative.
The Boral originates in Rajshahi’s Charghat upazila, runs through Natore and Pabna, and merges with the Jamuna River. Once vital for agriculture, fisheries and transport, it had nearly vanished in places, with 18 kilometres in Natore’s Boraigram completely lost to land grabbers.
“After the gates were installed, we lost our livelihood as fishing became impossible. Now, with water back, we hope to survive again,” said local fisherman Rabiul Islam.
Built in 1984 to protect surrounding communities from floods, the gates later blocked natural currents, gradually reducing the 220-kilometre-long river into a dying canal. Encroachment, pollution, and heavy silt deposits further worsened the decline.
River researcher Mahbub Siddiqui said indiscriminate cross dams, pollution, and illegal construction disrupted the river’s ecology, narrowed its bed, and made the water toxic. Markets, households, and poultry farms had dumped waste directly into the river for decades.
He added that removal of the gates could mark a turning point in restoring navigability and ensuring water flow in the Rajshahi region.
There is no trace of 18 kilometres of the Boral River in Natore’s Boraigram as grabbers had set up residential areas and other establishments. Rampant encroachment and pollution had further destroyed the river.
