Pagar a local term used for small ditches usually seen along roadsides. The term is popular in the southwestern part of the country, especially in jessore and khulna, and also in grater mymensingh. These are mainly pits excavated for constructing road, embankment or any other earthen structure. The pagar is considered to be an important waterhole, as it supports a wide range of biotic life at a local scale for a few months, especially from June to February, depending upon the size and depth of the pit. It also helps in keeping excess runoff water from the road or embankment for a while, thus reducing the possibility of damage to the nearby cropfield. Local people use some of the pagars for pisciculture. Due to its high moisture, pagar is also used as paddy seedbed. [Mohd Shamsul Alam]