Ramsagar Dighi

Ramsagar Dighi (lake) is one of the largest and oldest manmade water reservoirs in Bangladesh. It is located at Tejpur village in Dinajpur sadar upazila, about 8km south of Dinajpur city.  

The lake is situated on an elevated land. The excavation of Ramsagar was initiated by Raja Ram Nath between 1750 and 1755 AD. The lake, 31.53 hectare (78 acre) in area, is surrounded by red soil. It is a place where the magic of heritage blends with the beauty of nature, mesmerising visitors.  

There is a story behind the creation of the reservoir. There was a shortage of drinking water due to severe drought during the reign of Raja Ram Nath. All water bodies in the area dried up and there was no rainfall for three years. The people suffered due to the scarcity of water and many died. Finally, the Raja decided to dig a large water reservoir to solve the water crisis. He engaged several thousand workers for the task, which cost around Taka 30,000 at that time, according to local legend.

To the north of Ramsagar, there is a raised land containing the ruins of some old building.  These structures are locally known as Dev Mandir or Baroduari and Hazarduari. The structure appears to have been constructed in the 17th or 18th century.

There is an attractive forest around the lake that is planted with a variety of trees. The government declared the area as a national park on April 30, 2001. The total area of Ramsagar National Park is about 60 hectares. The Department of Forest planted different types of ornamental and fruit trees that flourished and turned into a forest.

In the park there are some animals, such as deer, wild boar, blue bull, sloth bear and hyena. There are also some birds like white-breasted water hen, jacanas, moorhen, river tern, sand piper, ringed plover and grey and purple herons. Moreover, the lake is a safe haven for migratory birds.

The lake is full of different species of fish. There are also some fresh water crocodiles. The national park is managed by the Department of Forest, while the lake is looked after by the Department of Fisheries.

Though the reservoir was originally made to provide safe drinking water to local residents, it now plays a recreational role and serves as an important tourist destination in Dinajpur. The national park is a popular picnic spot for people of the area. The authorities have developed some facilities for visitors around Ramsagar Lake, like restrooms and kiosks to sell refreshments. Roughly, 150,000 tourists visit the area every year.n

References: Eastern Bengal District Gazetters- Dinajpur, FW Strong, 1912; Archaeological Survey Report of Greater Dinajpur District, DOA, 1995; Bangladesher Protnoshompod, Abul Kalam Md Zakariya, Dibboprokash, 2007; History in Pictures - Greater Rangpur and Dinajpur,

Area HQs, Rangpur, 2008.

Ramsagar Dighi

Ramsagar Dighi (lake) is one of the largest and oldest manmade water reservoirs in Bangladesh. It is located at Tejpur village in Dinajpur sadar upazila, about 8km south of Dinajpur city. The lake is situated on an elevated land. The excavation of Ramsagar was initiated by Raja Ram Nath between 1750 and 1755 AD. The lake, 31.53 hectare (78 acre) in area, is surrounded by red soil. It is a place where the magic of heritage blends with the beauty of nature, mesmerising visitors. There is a story behind the creation of the reservoir. There was a shortage of drinking water due to severe drought during the reign of Raja Ram Nath. All water bodies in the area dried up and there was no rainfall for three years. The people suffered due to the scarcity of water and many died. Finally, the Raja decided to dig a large water reservoir to solve the water crisis. He engaged several thousand workers for the task, which cost around Taka 30,000 at that time, according to local legend. To the north of Ramsagar, there is a raised land containing the ruins of some old building. These structures are locally known as Dev Mandir or Baroduari and Hazarduari. The structure appears to have been constructed in the 17th or 18th century. There is an attractive forest around the lake that is planted with a variety of trees. The government declared the area as a national park on April 30, 2001. The total area of Ramsagar National Park is about 60 hectares. The Department of Forest planted different types of ornamental and fruit trees that flourished and turned into a forest. In the park there are some animals, such as deer, wild boar, blue bull, sloth bear and hyena. There are also some birds like white-breasted water hen, jacanas, moorhen, river tern, sand piper, ringed plover and grey and purple herons. Moreover, the lake is a safe haven for migratory birds. The lake is full of different species of fish. There are also some fresh water crocodiles. The national park is managed by the Department of Forest, while the lake is looked after by the Department of Fisheries. Though the reservoir was originally made to provide safe drinking water to local residents, it now plays a recreational role and serves as an important tourist destination in Dinajpur. The national park is a popular picnic spot for people of the area. The authorities have developed some facilities for visitors around Ramsagar Lake, like restrooms and kiosks to sell refreshments. Roughly, 150,000 tourists visit the area every year.n References: Eastern Bengal District Gazetters- Dinajpur, FW Strong, 1912; Archaeological Survey Report of Greater Dinajpur District, DOA, 1995; Bangladesher Protnoshompod, Abul Kalam Md Zakariya, Dibboprokash, 2007; History in Pictures - Greater Rangpur and Dinajpur, Area HQs, Rangpur, 2008.