THE once vibrant Mayur River in Khulna, a lifeline for the city’s residents and home to diverse aquatic species, is now gasping for survival.
Over the years, a lethal combination of sluice gates, illegal encroachment, pollution, and recent construction projects have pushed the river to the brink of extinction.
The construction of an embankment and two steel-arch bridges, touted as a development project, is proving to be the final nail in the coffin for the Mayur River.
The embankment and bridges, meant to replace old structures, are instead choking the natural flow of the river, endangering its marine ecosystem and pushing it towards a slow death.
Environmentalists warn that these projects, inspired by Dhaka’s Hatirjheel, are ill-conceived and detrimental to the river’s survival.
The river, once brimming with life, now lacks the dissolved oxygen necessary for sustaining aquatic organisms due to rampant pollution.
A paradox arises as the Khulna City Corporation attempts to revive another part of the river while simultaneously contributing to its demise with the ongoing construction.
This double standard only adds to the river’s suffering and showcases the lack of coordination and foresight among government authorities.
Such conflicting actions underscore the urgent need for a comprehensive and environmentally sensitive approach to river management.
Residents express their anguish at witnessing the gradual death of the river. It’s not just an environmental tragedy; it’s a cultural loss for those who remember the river as a thriving source of fish.
The Roads and Highways Department must reassess the ongoing construction project on the Mayur River, considering its impact on the river’s flow and ecosystem.
A transparent evaluation of the environmental consequences is imperative.
Involving local communities and environmental experts in decision-making processes should get priority.
The Water Development Board and other relevant authorities should actively monitor the construction site, ensuring contractors adhere to environmental regulations. Strict penalties should be imposed for any negligence.
Develop a comprehensive plan for the Mayur River that includes dredging, pollution control, and habitat restoration should be on cart.
