Page 109 - Sonbeel Utsab 2024

the sleepless night to watch the play. Historical plays were more popular than the
social plays. These were in addition to the Udayasta, Asthprahar, fifty-six prahar
long naam keertans that concluded with great devotional pitches. All these created a
cocktail of cultural, emotional and humbling feeling.

From the space, Sonbeel looks like a human eye with the actual blue water
body like the pupil of our eyes. From the Google-earth image it can be seen that the
vast tract of land from Cheragi to the south to Adarkona to the north; and Rakhalbasti
on the east to Eraligool to the west constitutes Sonbeel's catchment area, spread over
an approximate 600 sq km as ocularly estimated. River Singla and numerous streams
pour into the water body round the year. River Kachua linked to Kushiara serves as
the outlet. Many beels disappeared due to silt. Fish from sonbeel was the backbone of
the economy during old times and now also. Tourism was unknown then and at
present also not really developed here.

Finally, some through on development of Sonbeel are and its people. I take
the opportunity to mention here some thoughts which could be further developed
subject of course to availability of resources. The following works could be done in
consultation with villagers. Villagers themselves, guided by experts on wetland,
fishery, agriculture, tourism and sociology should sit and plan what types of
development will be best for the village, coexisting with the ecology of Sonbeel.
Integrated development by participatory microplanning of about 100 villages would
need a multi-disciplinary approach with one Nodal Department coordinating with
other Departments. Sustainable natural resources management could be one of the
prominent goals. Water and aquatic biodiversity conservation should be another.
Livelihood development for the local people should be one of the top priorities.

Hijal trees, whose scientific name is Barringtonia acutangula is an important
freshwater mangrove still seen in good numbers dotting Sonbeel waters. But I am not
aware of any move for its regeneration in the area. Decentralized People's Nursery of
Hijal will not only make it possible to plant every blank area with it in a phased
manner, but will also fetch handsome income to the villagers. Also, Tree Beans
(Parkia roxburghii), Bakful (Sesbania grandiflora), Chalta (Dillenia indica), Agar
(Aquilaria malaccensis), Sajina (Moringa oleifera), re-introduction of cane and
Andaman variety of canes can be planted on streamside, various other fruit species
can be planted in gaps. Bamboo planation can be encouraged and training on various
bamboo-based crafts can be imparted to the villagers. Governments are trying to
promote natural farming in a big way, which can also be done here. Plantation of
areca, coconuts and foxnuts (Makhana) can bring more opportunities for earning
income.

For water and aquatic biodiversity conservation, intensive conservation of
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