Photo : BSS

By Md Aynal Haque

RAJSHAHI, Aug 25, 2025 (BSS) - Various initiatives are underway in the Barind region to address the adverse impacts of climate change, promote environmental sustainability, reduce pollution, and transform the area into a greener and healthier urban environment.

The Department of Social Forestry (DSF) and the Barind Multipurpose Development Authority (BMDA) are implementing multiple projects focused on biodiversity conservation, water resource management, capacity building, and income generation for local communities.

The BMDA is emphasizing surface water irrigation to reduce over-dependence on groundwater and undertaking re-excavation and management of derelict ponds and canals. These steps aim to augment surface water availability and improve the region's ecological balance.

Key activities include re-excavating unused water bodies, afforestation along water bodies, and promoting less water-intensive crop cultivation, all aimed at mitigating the impacts of climate change and conserving vital water resources.

BMDA Executive Director Tariqul Islam said surface water irrigation has proven to be an effective tool in reducing the increasing pressure on underground water, especially in the drought-prone Barind area where many natural water bodies remain uncared for.

"Our goal is to transition from underground to surface water-based irrigation systems. Re-excavating ponds, canals, and other large water bodies allows us to conserve rainwater, improve irrigation capacity, and ensure water availability for household use," he said.

Islam also said the BMDA is encouraging farmers to switch to crops such as wheat, maize, pulses, and oilseeds-less water-dependent alternatives to Irri-Boro paddy-thereby helping conserve groundwater.

Many of BMDA's projects integrate afforestation programs along canal banks and pond areas, promoting environmental stability and biodiversity.

In addition to water resource management, the DSF is implementing the project titled "Environment Protection through Social Forestry in the Rajshahi Barind Tract Region" since November 2020 in 32 upazilas across Rajshahi, Naogaon, Chapainawabganj, and Natore districts.

Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Rafiquzzaman Shah told BSS that the main focus of the Taka 35.13-crore project is to conserve and enhance biodiversity in the Barind region through participatory social afforestation.

He said around 4,500 people have received support for capacity building and climate change adaptation under the project, while about 3,500 households from ethnic minority and low-income communities are earning livelihoods through forestry-related activities.

The project also includes the eco-friendly development of Altadighi National Park in Dhamoirhat upazila of Naogaon. Planned infrastructure includes an observation tower, seating arrangements, roads, a parking area, footpaths, a guide map, toilets, and water supply facilities.

As part of the initiative, nearly six lakh saplings of fruit, forest, and herbal trees are being distributed free of cost among poor households to help meet their nutritional and energy needs.

"We are developing a 600-kilometre strip forest, a 100-hectare woodlot garden, and a 50-hectare garden with endangered and long-lifespan tree species. Around 40,000 saplings of domestic and ornamental plants, three lakh palm trees, and 5,000 wood-plants are also being planted," Shah said.

He highlighted the vital role of palm trees in reducing lightning-related fatalities among humans and livestock.

A herbal orchard with around 1,250 medicinal plant saplings is also being established. Additionally, enrichment plantations are underway on 20 hectares of land to regenerate the natural Shal forest.

The project is also setting up two arboretums with rare and extinct tree species and herbal gardens.

Infrastructural development-including footpaths, seating benches, and other tourist facilities-is ongoing around Sonadighi and Dibor Dighi to enhance their appeal as eco-tourism destinations.

Beneficiaries and community members are being trained in orchard creation and management, environmental conservation, climate change adaptation and mitigation, eco-friendly tourism management, and wildlife protection.