Bharardaho Beel becomes spectacular garden of rare species of trees

After planting some 6,500 saplings of 213 rare and rare species of timber, fruit, medicinal and flower trees on its 100-foot-wide bank, Bharardaho Beel has now literally become a natural, scenic and spectacular garden.

Rare species of trees have created a luxurious garden with green spaces and incredible natural views around the Beel, making it a sanctuary for migratory and endangered native birds, fish, animals and insects and also a place of 

tourists' attraction.

 Many people are visiting the water body everyday to enjoy the revived ecosystems, biodiversity and breathe amidst improved environment and instinctive beauty on the outskirts of Badarganj municipality in Rangpur district.

All these things are happening since re-excavation of the Bharardaho Beel with its 11.59 acres of wetlands and plantation of over 6,500 saplings of 213 rare species of wood, fruit, medicinal and flower plants on its wide bank three years ago. 

Barind Multipurpose Development Authority (BMDA) has re-excavated the Beel under its five-year (2019-2025) 'Expansion of irrigation in greater Rangpur district through best uses of surface water and conservation of rainwater (EIR) project'.  

The project is being implemented to promote agriculture and livelihoods making best use of conserved surface water, forestation and improve ecosystems and revive sanctuaries for indigenous species of extinct fishes, birds and traveling birds.

Project Director of the EIR project and Superintending Engineer of BMDA for Rangpur Circle Engineer Md Habibur Rahman Khan said people are enjoying the spectacular charm of the re-excavated Beel with greenery, flora and fauna, guest birds and their gracious flying. 

"Many students and teachers from various schools, colleges and universities and government officials, couples, youth and common people of all ages are visiting the Beel, which has already become a tourist attraction in the northern region," he said.

Engineer Habibur Rahman Khan informed BSS about the list of rare species of trees planted on the banks of Bharardaho Beel.

The planted trees include Engineer Habibur Rahman Khan presented a complete list of rare species of trees planted on the banks of Barardah Beel to this BSS correspondent. 

Some of the planted trees on the banks of Bharardaho Beel include Nageshwar, Naglingam, Hijal, Tamal, Kaizelia, Ashok, Gorjan, Agar, Camphor, Dhup, Telsur, Nishinda, shawl, teak, sea grape, joyfal, saffron, palm, date, 

jamrul, plum, gab, ata, sharifa, safeda, Fig, Tin, Mahua, Agnishikha, Jarul, Chatim and Kadam and so on.

In addition, endangered birds like Khanjana, Moutusi, Chatak, Jalmayur, Sarali, Pati Sarali, Pankauri, Fishranga, Finge, Shalik, Doel, Dove, Buck, Dahuk, Cuckoo, Bau Katha Kao, Chokhgelo, Owl, Bulbuli, Saheb Bulbuli, Chhatare, Basant Bauri, Sparrow, Forest Sparrow, Phatik Jal, Loriyati, Tea Bird are seen abundantly in the Bharardaho Beel now.

Besides, endangered animals like foxes, wood cats, rats, various types of reptiles and aquatic animals are seen in a large number there.

 "The collection of such a large number of extinct species of trees, birds and animals in the same place has not only beautified the Beel, but also turned it into a unique center for conducting research work by researchers, teachers and students," Engineer Khan added.

 Director of Riverine People and Begum Rokeya University Professor environmentalist Dr Tuhin Wadud lauded BMDA for planting 213 rare species of trees on the Bharardaho Beel banks turning the place into a botanical garden-like research centre too. 

"Teachers, students and all concerned can conduct research on rare species of trees, birds and animals available in the Beel, which has become a sanctuary for birds, animals, small fish, insects, snails, algae, mosses, aquatic and 

stemless aquatic plants," he said.