Kishoreganj: Once the lifeblood of Kishoreganj city, the Narsunda River now stands on the brink of disaster, turned into little more than a garbage dump due to rampant carelessness, pollution, and illegal encroachments. Environmental experts and local residents fear an environmental catastrophe if immediate action is not taken to revive the river. However, a ray of hope shines as the Water Development Board works on plans to restore the river’s lost glory.
A River of History and Civilization
The Narsunda River originates from the Brahmaputra River, flowing 97 kilometers from Hossainpur through the heart of Kishoreganj city and Karimganj upazila before joining the Dhanu River. Kishoreganj’s rich history and urban civilization grew around this river, which once played a vital role in the lives of the people.
Until the 1980s, the Narsunda River was a source of life and livelihood for Kishoreganj’s residents. But since the 1990s, greed, encroachment, and pollution began choking its waters. By the early 2000s, the river became a dumping ground for garbage and waste, and its flow was reduced to a trickle.

Failed Promises of Revival
In response to public outcry, the government launched the Narsunda River Dredging and Beautification Project in 2012, allocating Tk 106 crore. Completed in 2016, the project, named “Narsunda Lake City,” aimed to restore the river while enhancing its aesthetic appeal. However, the initiative faced widespread criticism for poor planning, corruption, and failure to address the core issues of pollution and encroachment.
Saiful Islam Jewel, General Secretary of the Kishoreganj branch of Bangladesh Environment Movement (BAPA), criticized the project, stating, “The Narsunda River was essentially killed in the name of Lake City. Unplanned dams, such as the one in Kawna, disrupted the river’s natural flow. Today, Narsunda has no water in the dry season and no flow in the rainy season. It has become a curse for Kishoreganj, filled with garbage and pollution.”
A Call for Immediate Action
Environmentalists and activists emphasize the need for bold, decisive measures to save the river. Jewel outlined key steps:
- Reopening the Kawna dam to restore the river’s natural flow.
- Connecting the Brahmaputra to Narsunda via a canal to maintain water levels.
- Determining the original river boundaries and installing accurate boundary pillars.
- Conducting a full re-excavation of the river, rather than partial efforts.
- Investigating corruption in previous excavation projects and holding responsible parties accountable.
- Strict penalties for those polluting the river by dumping waste.
“Only by taking these steps can life return to Narsunda,” Jewel added.

A Glimmer of Hope
Md. Sajjad Hossain, Executive Engineer of the Kishoreganj Water Development Department, shared a message of optimism. “We are currently conducting planning and surveys on Narsunda. Based on these findings, a project proposal will be submitted soon. If implemented, the river’s water flow and vitality can be restored.”
The Path Forward
The Narsunda River’s plight reflects a larger battle to preserve Kishoreganj’s natural and historical heritage. With proper planning, strong enforcement of environmental laws, and the cooperation of all stakeholders, the dream of a clean, flowing Narsunda can become a reality.
The Kishoreganj Post joins environmentalists and residents in urging swift action to save the Narsunda River before it’s too late. Only through collective efforts can we ensure that this river, once the lifeline of Kishoreganj, does not remain a symbol of neglect and loss.