Beauty of Atrai River and Khashama Bridge (Zia Setu)

The Atrai River is the westernmost tributary of the Brahmaputra. One of the sacred rivers described in the Mahabharata. Its ancient name is Atrai. 10 km Northeast of Siliguri city in West Bengal, the river originates from where it flows west to the Zamuna River. Karatoa River takes the name Atrai from Khansama upazila of Dinajpur district. Atrai River divides in the northwest of Chiribandar upazila and rejoins in the southwest of this port. The western part is Gobura, and the eastern part is Kangra. The Atrai River flows through the east part of Dinajpur city and enters West Dinajpur in West Bengal, crossing Bhushirbandar and Samjhia Ghats.

In the 60s, even during the dry season, the river used to flow heavily. The area's farmers rinse with this river's water to produce various crops. Besides, a large quantity of fish was produced due to the continuous flow of water in the river. Therefore, the local fishermen families were making a living by catching fish from the river and selling it in the local market throughout the year.

But this river is almost filled with silt due to non-digging for a long time. Fish production in the river has drastically declined due to virtually no water during the dry season. The farmers of this region cannot do agriculture using river water. Due to a lack of irrigation water, most of the land in the area still needs to be completed. A bridge, which is 498 meters long, was constructed over the Atrai River in Khansama Upazila of Dinajpur a few years ago.

To enhance the beauty of this bridge, a very well-structured and pleasant environment has been created on both sides of the river; there are stairs to go down to the river and many beautiful seating arrangements from where the entire Atrai River can be seen. In the afternoon, the crowd of tourists can be seen here. The ordinary people of the upazila and many tourists from outside the upazila come to Khanshama Bridge (popularly known as Zia Setu) for entertainment every year on religious and various occasions.

This Zia Setu now a days is going to be a recreation place for all. People can enjoy their time in the afternoon with a charming beauty of the Atrai River.