The Government of Bangladesh is set to launch an ambitious initiative to restore the Kartoa River, which has suffered decades of neglect and environmental degradation. The project envisions dredging a 230-kilometre stretch of the river, backed by a budget of BDT 11,220 crore. Authorities anticipate that reviving the river will restore the natural water flow to the Kartoa, as well as its connected waterways, the Ichamati River and Gajaria River. This, in turn, is expected to enhance irrigation, control floods, prevent riverbank erosion, and curb encroachment and pollution.
Officials from the Planning Commission report that the project will be presented for approval at the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) meeting on 6 April, the first of its kind under the current government. The Kartoa River initiative is one of 17 proposals slated for discussion. The final draft was prepared at a preparatory meeting attended by the Planning Minister and State Minister, emphasising the strategic importance of reviving the river, which lies within the parliamentary constituency of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
Officials involved in the initiative highlighted the urgency of the project. “The river has become almost lifeless, emitting a strong odour that affects the local population,” said SM Shakil Akhter, Secretary of the Ministry of Planning. “Our aim is to restore its natural flow, improve the environment, and create recreational spaces along the riverbanks, including children’s playgrounds.”
Historically, the Kartoa was a vital transport route, facilitating trade such as coconut shipments from Khulna and supporting local fishermen’s livelihoods. However, the construction of a flood control dam at the river’s mouth during the Ershad era disrupted its flow. Since the 1980s, the river has steadily declined, prompting the formation of the “Save the Kartoa River Movement” in 2010. Local activists continue to campaign for its revival.
Project Overview
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| River Length | 230 km |
| Project Budget | BDT 11,220 crore |
| Expected Completion | June 2030 |
| Land Acquisition | Approximately 24 hectares |
| Riverbank Protection | 6 km slope protection, 1 km embankment |
| Coverage | 9 Upazilas across Bogra and Gaibandha districts |
| Funding | Fully domestic |
| Implementing Agency | Bangladesh Water Development Board |
The river originates as a branch of the Tista River, which altered its course following the 1787 flood, subsequently connecting to the Brahmaputra and Jamuna rivers. Separation from its source left the Kartoa dependent on seasonal rainfall, increasing its vulnerability to encroachment and siltation. Reviving the river will also bolster water levels in the Ichamati and Gajaria rivers and benefit local agriculture.
Environmental experts and civil society groups have long campaigned to protect the river. Shamsul Huda, Executive Director of the Association for Land Reform and Development (ALRD), described the initiative as a potential model for safeguarding other rivers across Bangladesh while improving water management and ecological resilience.