Authorities must stop pollution to save plant pieces from extinction on Karnaphuli riverbanks

As many as 81 species of plants on Karnaphuli riverbanks are in danger of going extinct over the next few decades due to the dumping of industrial wastes and other forms of pollution. A recent study figured out that another 61 species of plants will become endangered if no action is taken to prevent pollution. The researchers conducted a field survey from January to August this year to identify the species of riverside plants and sources of pollution.
The study found that there are 528 species of plants on the Karnaphuli riverbank. Of them, 144 are large trees, 69 shrubs, 58 vines, 244 ferns, and 13 parasitic plants. According to a DoE report, 35 out of 140 species of fish can no longer be found there because of pollution. The river is being polluted by 89 sources, which include 53 industries. The research team also found the movement of dolphins at 64 places in Karnaphuli River, which is also being disrupted due to unabated pollution. Waste is being dumped directly into the river from seven industrial factories situated on both banks. Besides, more than 22,000 tonnes of waste are generated at Chattogram every day, most of which flows into the Karnaphuli River through different canals and drains due to poor drainage systems.
Over 4,000 ships and 10,000 registered and unregistered vessels ply in the river every month, contributing to river pollution by emitting harmful gas and dumping wastes. Chattogram District Administration made a list of 2,112 grabbers along a 40km stretch of the river from Kalurghat to Patenga, following a 2010 High Court order. Since 2016, the court has issued several directives at different times ordering the district administration, Chattogram Port Authority (CPA), and Chattogram Development Authority (CDA) to remove illegal structures from the riverbanks. To save the plant species, there are no alternatives to stopping pollution.