Will the Prime Minister’s initiatives to curb river pollution be successful?

THE condition of the rivers surrounding the capital, Dhaka, is dire. Rivers such as the Buriganga, Turag, Balu, and Shitalakshya are facing an existential crisis due to excessive pollution and encroachment.

There have been numerous studies, reports, and discussions regarding the pollution of these rivers.

However, a recent survey by the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) has highlighted a crucial point.

Amidst such a dire situation, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has taken initiatives to curb river pollution, a move that is highly positive and praiseworthy.

The Prime Minister emphasized that if effective measures are not taken immediately, we will have to answer to future generations.

He said this at a meeting titled “Water and Environmental Development of the Buriganga River” held on Thursday in the capital.

Discussions were held regarding the environmental condition of these rivers, sources of pollution, existing challenges, and ways to achieve long-term solutions.

The Prime Minister directed that necessary measures be taken immediately to curb river pollution.

Her also said that there is no room for negligence in taking strict and coordinated steps to prevent river pollution, alongside formulating a sustainable action plan as well as its effective implementation must be ensured.

The rivers are on the verge of losing its familiar character due to the discharge of untreated industrial waste, inadequate sewerage and drainage systems, the loss of navigability in canals, and poor solid waste management.

The encroachment of the river, through the construction of shops, residences, and factories, is nothing new.

While drives to evict illegal structures have certainly been conducted, the old situation has returned within just one or two days.

Bangladesh is a riverine country; rivers are its lifeblood. If the rivers survive, the nation will prosper economically.

However, the reality is that most of our rivers are now on the verge of dying. Even the major rivers are struggling with navigability crises.

Yet, keeping the country’s waterways operational facilitates the transport of goods and reduces costs.

With the sources of pollution known, technical solutions available, and the responsible agencies designated, there is no justification for further delay.

The primary prerequisite for river conservation is not fresh promises, but the proper discharge of existing responsibilities.

We believe that the implementation of the government’s plans to curb river pollution surrounding the capital is absolutely essential.

To achieve this, various government departments must work in a coordinated manner.

At the same time, the public must also play a conscious role in preventing river pollution since the causes of river pollution are known to almost all of us.