Tributaries of Buriganga choking under waste
Staff Reporter :
The tributary of the Buriganga River flowing through Kamrangir Char now stands on the brink of extinction-strangled by illegal encroachment, unchecked garbage dumping, and a shocking lack of oversight. What was once a source of pride and sustenance has been reduced to a stagnant, putrid waterway that locals now describe as a “garbage dump.”
A recent visit to the area paints a grim picture. The river’s water has turned a dark green hue, with an overwhelming stench that clings to the air. There is no visible flow or aquatic life-only layers of rotting waste, floating plastic, discarded household items, and a thick covering of sedge that masks mounds of garbage beneath.
Locals allege that the river’s demise began during the previous government’s tenure, when sections of the tributary were illegally occupied under the watch of influential political figures-including MPs, ministers, and ruling party activists. These encroachments have gone largely unchallenged, leading to the gradual disappearance of the waterway.
Environmental experts warn that the situation poses a grave threat to both human health and biodiversity.
The decaying waste releases harmful gases in the summer heat, turning the riverbanks into hotspots for mosquitoes and increasing the risk of mosquito-borne diseases like dengue and chikungunya. Residents living near the river complain of foul odors, breathing difficulties, and a steady decline in quality of life.
“This is no longer a river; it’s a toxic dump,” said one local resident. “Our homes, schools, and markets are all suffering from this environmental disaster.”
Dhaka, already ranked among the world’s most polluted cities, is facing further ecological deterioration due to the neglect of its rivers. Environmentalists have sounded the alarm: without immediate and sustained intervention, this tributary will soon cease to exist.
“This pollution is killing aquatic life and making the water unusable,” said a river conservationist. “There’s no oxygen left in the water. If the authorities don’t act now, what remains will be nothing more than a sewer.”
Though some attempts at cleanup and riverbank renovation have begun in select areas following recent political shifts, progress remains inconsistent. Locals are demanding urgent, coordinated efforts to clear encroachments, stop illegal dumping, and restore the tributary to its former state.
“The river is more than just water,” said one environmental advocate. “It is a living entity. If we let it die, we’re also killing our future.