By Md Mamun Islam
 
RANGPUR, Nov 28, 2025 (BSS) – At the onset of winter, Bharardaho Beel takes on a heavenly appearance, with its spectacular greenery, the chirping of thousands of migratory birds, their free movement across water and sky, and their graceful, orderly flights.

Locals said re-excavation of the extinct water body on the outskirts of Badarganj Municipality in Rangpur has improved the environment and created an unparalleled natural beauty that has attracted guest birds and many visitors.

The re-excavated Bharardaho Beel and plantation of 6,500 saplings of 213 rare and extinct species of wood, fruit, medicinal and flower plants on its 100-feet wide bank has revived the biodiversity and ecosystems amid changing climate in the area.
 
Many nature-loving people of all ages are enjoying the beautiful flying, swimming, and chirping of migratory birds in the vast water body that has turned the surrounding nature into beautiful sights.
 
Barind Multipurpose Development Authority (BMDA) has re-excavated the 11.59 acres Beel under the five-year (2019-2025) term ‘Expansion of irrigation in greater Rangpur district through best uses of surface water and conservation of rainwater (EIR) project’.    
  
Local residents Abdul Motaleb and Hafizur Rahman said an incredible landscape has been created following re-excavation of the Bharardaho Beel and plantation of thousands of saplings of rare and extinct species of plants on its bank.  
 
“The abundant greenery, flora and fauna of the Beel have turned it into a sanctuary for birds, and people flock there to enjoy the chirping of guest birds, the lush greenery, and the beauty of blooming flowers,” said Abdul Motaleb.
 
Visiting couple Mosfiqur Rahman and Nasrine Jahan of Nilphamari district said the flying guest birds, free movement of their wings and their landings on the water body have added a unique beauty there with greenery on all sides.
 
“We can't take our eyes off the re-dug Bharardaho Beel, which is now filled with the chirping of guest birds and the rustling of a variety of rare plant species on the surrounding banks, and a spectacular sight,” said Nasrine Jahan. 
 
Visiting school students Monwara Begum, Lutfun Nahar, Kakoli and Mukta Begum said the re-excavated Bharardaho Beel has revived the lost ecosystems bringing back balance in nature to become a dazzling symbol of natural beauty with a divine look. 
 
Visiting college students Rahima Begum and Tulip Chowdhury suggested repeating the success of reviving the ecosystem through the re-excavation of the Bharardaho Beel in other extinct water bodies to adapt to the adverse effects of climate change.
 
Assistant Professor of Badarganj Women’s Degree College Mahfuzul Haque Chowdhury said re-excavation of the Bharardaho Beel has turned it into a sanctuary for local species of extinct fishes, birds and migratory birds after four decades. 
 
“The BMDA should ensure better management of the re-excavated water body and turn it into an Eco-Park and sanctuary for birds and extinct species of indigenous fishes, watery plants, flora and fauna to further improve ecosystems,” he said.
 
He suggested the authorities concerned not lease the Beel to any private body in the name of pisciculture, declare it as a sanctuary and ensure complete safety for birds, fishes and all living beings there.  
 
Environmental activist, Director of the Riverine People and Professor of Begum Rokeya University Dr Tuhin Wadud said that guest birds are seen in uncountable numbers in the re-excavated Bharardaho Beel after many decades.  
 
“The reclaimed lake is reviving the ecosystem at a time when the environment is under threat as water bodies dry up due to climate change, causing local species of fish, insects, birds and some animals to become extinct,” he said.
 
The Bharardaho Beel has factually become a sanctuary for migratory and local birds, indigenous small fishes, insects, small snails, algae, moss, aquatic plants and other stem-less watery plants.
 
BMDA Superintending Engineer and EIR Project Director Md Habibur Rahman Khan said people are enjoying the stunning beauty of the re-excavated Bharardaho Beel, where there is a feast of greenery all around, chirping of guest birds, and their natural flight.
 
"The project aims to improve agriculture and livelihoods by making optimal use of conserved surface water, afforestation, improving ecosystems, and reviving sanctuaries for endangered fish, birds, and indigenous species of migratory birds," he said.