BURIGANGA RIVER DYING: Toxic waste, land grabbing choke Dhaka’s lifeline
Shahariar Islam Sovon :
The Buriganga River has been facing an alarming crisis due to rampant pollution, illegal encroachment, and unchecked industrial waste. Environmentalists and residents warn that if immediate actions are not taken, the river may soon become biologically dead.
According to recent studies, the water quality of the Buriganga is deteriorating at an unprecedented rate. High levels of chromium, lead, and other hazardous chemicals have been detected in the river, making it unfit for human use. Fishermen who once relied on the river for their livelihood now struggle as fish populations dwindle due to oxygen depletion caused by untreated waste.
The Buriganga, which has historically served as a major transportation and trade route, is now choked with toxic waste, plastics, and chemical effluents from tanneries and industries. Despite repeated government promises and court orders, industrial discharge and unregulated waste dumping continue to poison the river, threatening aquatic life and public health.
Encroachment along the riverbanks has further exacerbated the crisis. Land grabbers, backed by influential individuals, have occupied significant portions of the river, narrowing its flow. Several reports indicate that portions of the river have been filled illegally to make way for commercial establishments and residential projects, despite legal prohibitions.
The Bangladesh government has launched multiple eviction drives to remove illegal structures and curb pollution. However, environmental activists argue that these measures are not enough. “The authorities need a long-term, sustainable plan to restore the Buriganga. Eviction drives alone will not save the river unless pollution is stopped at its source,” said an environmentalist.
Public concern over the river’s condition is growing, with protests and advocacy campaigns calling for urgent intervention. The High Court has also issued several rulings directing authorities to take immediate steps to protect the river, but implementation remains weak.
Experts suggest a multi-pronged approach to save the Buriganga, including stricter enforcement of environmental laws, relocation of polluting industries, wastewater treatment plants, and community involvement in conservation efforts.
The fate of the Buriganga remains uncertain, but if corrective measures are not taken swiftly, Dhaka may lose one of its most historically significant and ecologically vital rivers forever.