Once a mighty river, Someshwari now dries up

MADHYANAGAR, SUNAMGANJ, Oct 29: The Someshwari River, once known for its strong currents, has turned into a virtual dead river in Madhyanagar Upazila of Sunamganj due to loss of navigability. Sandbars have emerged across the river in the beginning of the dry season, allowing people to cross it on foot.

The river originates from streams flowing down the Garo Hills in Meghalaya, India, including Bichhuri Chhara and Banga Chhara, along with the flow of the Rampha River from the west. It was once known as the Simsang River. 

According to local history, it came to be known as Someshwari after a spiritual figure named Someshwar Pathak occupied the area in the month of Magh in the Bengali year 686.

The river enters Bangladesh near Ranikong Hill after passing through Bagmara Bazar in Meghalaya. It flows south of Ranikong Hill, past Shibganj Bazar, Kumudganj Bazar and Konapara Village, before passing through Bakaljora, Sidhli, Kalmakanda and Madhyanagar and eventually joining the Dhanu River.

A recent visit to the river showed sandbars emerging at numerous points in Madhyanagar. Erosion during the monsoon and silt accumulation have reduced the river's width to around 200�"300 feet in some places.

Although strong currents and water flow are seen during the monsoon as floodwaters descend from upstream, the river largely dries up during the dry season.

Local journalist Al Amin Salman said the river had strong currents during his childhood, but siltation had gradually reduced its depth and halted the movement of passenger and cargo boats.

He added that river erosion during annual floods also destroys homes, leaving many people to lose their houses to the river.

Amanullah, a farmer from Mohammad Alipur Village in Bangshikunda South union, said the lack of water in the river was preventing farmers from irrigating their Boro paddy fields.

He urged the government to take initiatives to dredge the river and restore its navigability.

Ruhul Amin, a fisherman from the same village, said the river once had abundant fish, but the drying up of the waterway had severely damaged fish breeding and depleted fish stocks.

“Now I sometimes work as a day labourer to make a living after giving up fishing,” he said.

Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Minhajur Rahman said the Bangladesh Water Development Board had sent a proposal worth around Tk 300 crore to the Planning Commission for dredging 51 rivers and canals in 11 upazilas of the district.

“If the project is approved, dredging could begin in the 2027�"28 fiscal year. The Someshwari River has been included in the proposed project,” he said.