In the drought-prone Barind region of Naogaon’s Niamatpur Upazila, Ghashful’s ‘ECCCP-DROUGHT’ project has marked a significant milestone in restoring sustainable water sources.
On Saturday, 17 May, Ghashful’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr. Aftabur Rahman Jafree, officially inaugurated the re-excavated canal and three ponds located in Rudrapur, Rautara, Uttar Bari, and Bhavicha.
Implemented with financial assistance from Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) and the Green Climate Fund (GCF), this project aims to achieve three core objectives—promoting drought-resilient agricultural practices, restoring groundwater levels, and conserving the environment and biodiversity.
Ghashful is currently implementing this project in the Hajinagar, Bhavicha, and Chandan Nagar unions of Niamatpur Upazila, where the impacts of climate change are most evident.
On the occasion of the inauguration, CEO Mr. Jafree visited the re-excavated canal and ponds, expressing satisfaction with the quality and progress of the work. During his visit to Rautara Pond, he suggested constructing stairways, planting trees, and enhancing the aesthetic surroundings. At the Uttar Bari Jame Mosque pond, he emphasized the need for soil removal, tree plantation, and the construction of steps. At each site, he engaged warmly with local residents and community representatives.
Speaking at the end of the visit, Mr. Jafree stated, “This project is not just about ensuring access to water—it is a collective effort to safeguard both nature and human life. Ghashful hopes this model will be replicated in other drought-affected regions across the country.”
For the local farming communities, the re-excavation initiative has brought renewed hope. According to them, the enhanced water retention capacity of the ponds and canal will ease irrigation, reduce water scarcity during dry seasons, and make more land cultivable—ultimately enabling sustainable agricultural growth.
Accompanying the CEO during the visit were Ghashful’s Assistant Director Mr. Saidur Rahman Khan, Area Manager Mr. Anwar Hossain, Project Coordinator Md. Abdullah, Engineer Manik Khan, MIS Officer Raisul Islam, Branch Manager Md. Shahidul Islam, CMO Jahangir Alam, Shafikullah, CCAJ Group President Mashiur Rahman, and other local leaders. Also present were Editor Mejbabul Haque and Mr. Alif, representative of Messrs. United Brothers.
In the Barind region, drought is no longer just a seasonal challenge—it has become a permanent and tangible consequence of climate change. As a result, agriculture is being disrupted, groundwater levels are steadily depleting, and biodiversity is under severe threat. Against this backdrop, Ghashful’s initiative to restore canals and ponds stands out as a timely, effective, and visionary effort.
This project is like a welcome rain shower in the parched heart of Barind. By reconnecting the restoration of nature with the security of people’s livelihoods, it lays the foundation for a sustainable future. Ghashful’s eco-friendly action is a testament to the fact that with thoughtful planning and dedicated efforts, it is possible to restore environmental balance and improve lives. In the drought-stricken Barind lands, this initiative plants a seed of hope—growing steadily towards a greener tomorrow.