Shitalakshya River

Shitalakshya River – A Gateway to the Historical City of Narayanganj

Shitalakshya River is a prominent waterway in Bangladesh, located in the Narayanganj district of Dhaka Division. It is known as the gateway to the historical city of Narayanganj, which is located on the banks of the river. The Shitalakshya River is a tributary of the Meghna River and is roughly 150 km long. It originates from the Garo Hills of India and flows through the towns of Jamalpur, Sirajganj, and Tangail, before entering into Narayanganj.

 

History of Shitalakshya River

The Shitalakshya River was formed in the late 15th century when two rivers, the old Shitalakshya and the old Brahmaputra, merged together. It is believed that the old Brahmaputra River was known as the Nagar River in the past and its ancient course was tracked by the old Shitalakshya River. Over time, the Shitalakshya River has become much wider and deeper.

The river has a rich history and is mentioned in many historical documents. During the Mughal period, it was known as the ‘Nalakshya’ or ‘Nalakshya Ganga’ and was used as a major trade route for the transport of goods. The river also played an important role in the colonization of this region by the British. The British used the river for transportation of goods and for the transportation of their troops.

 

Geography of Shitalakshya River

The Shitalakshya River is one of the major rivers in Bangladesh and flows through the Narayanganj district. It originates in the Garo Hills of India and flows through the towns of Jamalpur, Sirajganj, and Tangail, before entering into Narayanganj. The river is roughly 150 km long and is a tributary of the Meghna River.

The river is surrounded by the Dhaleshwari River in the north, the Meghna River in the east, and the Bangshi River in the west. The river is dotted with numerous islands, such as Dhanbari, Gomti, and Sonargaon. These islands are home to several historical monuments, including the famous Sonargaon Palace.

 

Environmental Importance of Shitalakshya River

The Shitalakshya River is an important source of freshwater for the people of Narayanganj. The river is also an important source of fish, which is an important part of the local diet. The river also provides a habitat for a variety of aquatic life, including fish, turtles, crabs, and aquatic plants.

The Shitalakshya River is also an important source of irrigation for the farmers of the region. The river is used to irrigate the agricultural fields in the region, which helps to increase crop productivity.

The river is also a rich source of natural resources, such as sand, gravel, and clay. These resources are used in the construction industry and in the production of cement.

 

Tourism in Shitalakshya River

The Shitalakshya River is a popular destination for tourists and is known for its picturesque beauty. The river has several islands, which are home to historical monuments and are popular tourist attractions. The most popular tourist attractions include the Sonargaon Palace, the Lalbagh Fort, and the Ramna Park.

 

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