Siltation, illegal grabbing choke Kangsha River in Mymensingh

The Kangsha River, a once-mighty artery in Mymensingh's Dhobaura upazila, is now gasping for survival, a victim of relentless siltation and encroachment by powerful vested interests. This once-thriving waterway, crucial for irrigation, fisheries, and inter-district communication, has been reduced to a mere trickle during dry seasons, choked by sand and obstructed by illegal structures.

Locals lament the river's demise, recalling a time when it reliably supplied water for year-round irrigation. Now, its diminished flow during the monsoon season exacerbates flash floods, devastating crops and livelihoods. The situation is mirrored in other local rivers like the Satar Khali and Ghaghatia, indicating a systemic environmental crisis affecting the region's water resources.

While residents point fingers at encroaching groups and the apathy of concerned authorities, the Bangladesh Water Development Board offers a different perspective. They argue that dredging would not be a sustainable solution due to the high silt load from upstream. Instead, they are considering expanding the floodplain to mitigate erosion and manage floodwaters. The local administration acknowledges the issue and is reportedly working on proposals for better river management, but the urgency of the situation demands immediate and effective action to restore these vital waterways.

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Earlier, the river provided water for irrigation round the year. Now it is barely clinging to life.