13 bridges dropped from Ichamati River dredging plan sparking concern in Pabna

The Ichamati River dredging project in Pabna has stalled amid legal disputes over illegal encroachment. A revised development project proposal (DPP) has now excluded plans to remove and rebuild 13 bridges identified as major barriers to the river’s flow, triggering public concern.

Local residents and officials say the excluded bridges—including those on Rupkotha Road and in Pailanpur—were originally marked for reconstruction to restore natural water movement. Their removal from the revised plan has led to dissatisfaction and debate across the city.

Local MP Advocate Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas criticised the decision, calling it “against public interest,” and urged authorities to reinstate the original design. He also expressed concern over delays caused by encroachment-related cases along the banks.

According to the Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB), the Tk 1,500 crore Ichamati River Restoration Project began in 2023 to revive the river, which has suffered from decades of encroachment and pollution. Experts from BUET had identified low and narrow bridges and culverts as key obstacles to water flow.

However, a revised DPP approved shortly before the last national election removed the plan to reconstruct 13 bridges. Locals say this change undermines the project’s core objective.

Residents point to past decisions as a cause of the river’s decline. A large bridge near Pabna Police Lines was replaced decades ago with a smaller culvert, restricting water flow and contributing to siltation. Under the original project plan, this culvert was to be replaced with a larger bridge—now also excluded.

In total, plans to demolish and rebuild around 10 bridges in the area have been dropped. The earlier design also aimed to reduce traffic pressure on Abdul Hamid Road by improving connectivity and creating alternative routes, which has now been abandoned.

Business leader ABM Fazlur Rahman said residents have long hoped for a planned and livable city. “The bridges should be raised to restore the river and improve urban life,” he said.

Professor Dr Nazmul Islam of Pabna University of Science and Technology warned that dredging alone will not revive the river if structural barriers remain. “Without restoring flow, it becomes a canal, not a river,” he said.

A BWDB official, speaking anonymously, said dropping the alternative waterway plan is “unprecedented.” The MP has submitted a written objection to the Ministry of Water Resources, requesting restoration of key components, including service roads along both banks.

Advocate Masud Khandaker of the Pabna District Bar Association alleged that expert recommendations were ignored under political pressure. He called for transparency and reconsideration of the revised design.

Project Director and BWDB Superintendent Engineer Sudhangshu Kumar Sarkar said 33.77 km of the river is being dredged, with 26 km already completed. Work in the city area remains delayed due to court cases involving influential encroachers. Authorities have sought legal support to resolve the disputes.

The Tk 1,554 crore project, implemented under army supervision, is scheduled to run until June 2027.