Restoration and conservation of water bodies essential for human survival

Since time immemorial, water bodies have played an important role in maintaining the balance of nature and biodiversity. According to media reports, the World Wetlands Day was observed in Bangladesh as elsewhere across the world on February 2 to remind us of the importance of wetlands.

The history of the founding of all ancient civilizations of the world speaks of this. Each civilization developed along the banks of each river. Although wetlands have contributed greatly to the development of human civilization, over time this civilization has become a threat to the existence of water bodies. This can be understood only by looking at the rivers and canals of the country.

Today’s Dhaka was founded on the banks of the Buriganga River about 400 years ago. At that time, the river was Dhaka’s main trade and communication route. Even in the 1990s, some parts of the Buriganga River were known to be drinkable. But the river has become darker over time due to various factors, including increasing industrialization and sewage disposal.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 60,000 cubic meters of toxic waste from the city is dumped into this river every day. Not only the Buriganga, but other rivers in Dhaka are also in a deplorable state. Most of the rivers, canals and streams in the country are currently in a state of near-death.

As wetlands shrink, aquatic flora and fauna and resources are declining. There were 1,500 species of vertebrates in the country’s wetlands. But their numbers are currently declining at an alarming rate. Freshwater fish farming is one of the main sources of livelihood for the people of this country. At the same time, freshwater fish is one of the main sources of animal protein.

Again, rice, which comes from paddy, tops the list of food grains in the country. Irrigation plays a very important role in paddy cultivation. Most of the country’s wetlands play an important role in this.

For example, boro is cultivated in the haor areas of greater Sylhet, Kishoreganj, and Netrokona districts. In addition to rice, reservoirs serve as a source of irrigation water for agriculture in areas with low rainfall.

Bangladesh was known worldwide as the ‘country of rivers’. To maintain this characteristic of the country, its natural environment, biodiversity, and vitality, it is necessary to restore the reservoirs as well as ensure the conservation of the existing ones.

The next elected government should take steps in this context as wetlands are essential for human survival and environmental stability.