The once-mighty Padma River in Rajbari has turned into a narrow channel as vast stretches have dried up, exposing numerous sandbars across nearly fifty kilometers. The shrinking river has reduced navigability and created acute water shortages for hundreds of families living in the char areas. Locals report that the river has become so shallow that crossing it on foot may soon be possible.
Residents recall that three decades ago, the river maintained strong flow even in dry seasons. Now, farmers struggle to transport crops and goods from the opposite bank, often resorting to walking or using animal carts. Livestock owners travel long distances to bathe and water their cattle as nearby ponds have dried up, and tube wells no longer yield water.
According to Subrata Kumar, Executive Engineer of the Water Development Board’s Rajbari Sadar Division, reduced upstream flow and lower surface-level capacity have caused the drying. He added that decreased water release from the Farakka Barrage is a major factor. A survey is underway to determine the full extent of the problem.
আবু মুসা বিশ্বাস, রাজবাড়ী প্রকাশ : ২২ ফেব্রুয়ারি ২০২৬, ০৯: ৪৪ আবু মুসা বিশ্বাস, রাজবাড়ী রাজবাড়ীর প্রমত্ত পদ্মা এখন শীর্ণ খালে পরিণত হয়েছে। নদী শুকিয়ে চৌচির। পদ্মায় অসংখ্য চর পড়ায় একদিকে নাব্য কমে গেছে, অন্যদিকে চরাঞ্চলে বসবাসকারী শত শত পরিবারের পানি
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