Netrokona, Nov 15 (V7N) – A project to revive the Mogra River in Netrokona was inaugurated on Saturday, raising hopes of restoring the river's natural flow, reducing environmental risks and protecting agricultural land and crops from flood damage.
The inaugural ceremony was held in the afternoon on the riverbank behind the Netrokona Zila Parishad office. Netrokona-2 (Sadar-Barhatta) constituency lawmaker and district BNP president Dr Md Anwarul Haque attended as the chief guest and formally inaugurated the project.
Following the ceremony, the project site in the Lakshiganj area was visited by former district BNP general secretary Abu Taher Talukdar, District Red Crescent Society General Secretary Kamrul Haque, former Lakshiganj Union BNP secretary Rafiqul Islam Babul and acting editor of CNA, SM Manik.
Speaking about the project, Netrokona Water Development Board Executive Engineer Md Shakhawat Hossain said 41 kilometres of the river would be re-excavated under seven packages at an estimated cost of Tk 48 crore 49 lakh 70 thousand.
He expressed hope that the excavation work would be completed by June 30.
A river restoration initiative with climate benefits
The revival of the Mogra River is expected to bring important environmental benefits to Netrokona and surrounding areas, particularly as communities face growing climate-related risks. Restoring the river's water-carrying capacity and natural flow could improve drainage, reduce waterlogging and help lessen the damage caused by seasonal flooding.
For a region where agriculture is a major source of livelihood, the project could also provide significant benefits to farmers. Better drainage may help protect cropland from prolonged waterlogging, while improved river flow and water management could support agricultural activities during dry periods. Reducing flood-related crop losses would also help protect farmers' incomes and strengthen local food security.
According to project information, the initiative also includes removing waste and water hyacinths to restore the river's flow and navigability. Officials have estimated that the project could help protect around 5,560 metric tonnes of food grains from flood damage.
Farmers and local communities stand to benefit
For farmers living along the river, a functioning Mogra could mean better protection of agricultural land, reduced risks to standing crops and improved management of excess rainwater. The restoration could also support the river's ecological health and create better conditions for people whose livelihoods depend on local water resources.
However, experts and environmental advocates have long stressed that river excavation alone cannot ensure lasting restoration. Preventing illegal encroachment, stopping the disposal of household and commercial waste, maintaining the river's flow and ensuring regular monitoring will be essential to achieving the project's objectives.
The successful implementation of the project could therefore become an important step towards environmental recovery, climate resilience and sustainable agriculture in Netrokona.
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