Dr. Forqan Uddin Ahmed :
The Buriganga River is essential to preserving the ecosystem of Dhaka. The Buriganga, once thought to be the city’s lifeline, is today beset by encroachment and pollution. Stopping unlawful encroachments and reducing pollution are essential to saving this river. Through government initiatives and public awareness, the Buriganga can be restored to its former state. The river is not just a water body – it is part of Dhaka’s heritage and history. Once it had clear waters, teemed with fish, and served as a sanctuary for birds. Today, it suffers from industrial waste, sewage discharge, and other pollutants. In fact, pollution in the Buriganga has a history as long as the development of the city itself.
Once Dhaka’s lifeblood, the Buriganga River now reflects the city’s worrisome decline. One of the world’s most polluted rivers nowadays is the Buriganga. Dhaka is one of the world’s most unlivable cities. Every day, about 4,500 tons of waste – including plastic, sewage, rotten goods, dead animals, petroleum, and industrial chemicals – are poured into the river. Unbelievably, 80% of this sewage is still untreated. Over the past five years, pollution has gotten worse despite promises of action, highlighting the shortcomings of government initiatives. Despite being required by law to install ETPs, many factories either do not have them or keep them inoperable. Even organizations like WASA and city corporations, which are tasked with protecting the river, are accused of contaminating it. This calls into question the function and efficacy of the enforcement efforts of the Department of Environment. The predictable outcome of treating the river like a landfill is ecological death. Dhaka will be pulled down with the Buriganga’s decline if environmental regulations are not strictly monitored and enforced. Time is rapidly ebbing away for both the city and the river, whose fates are inextricably linked.
The rivers and canals in and around Dhaka suffering from pollution include the Buriganga, Turag, Balu, Rampura canal, Kalyanpur canal, Begunbari canal, Hazaribagh canal, Ramchandrapur canal, Badda canal, the old Buriganga, and Rupnagar canal. In November 2021, the National River Protection Commission requested the Department of Environment to submit a list of polluters of these rivers and canals. A month later, the department submitted a report identifying 280 sources of pollution. Among these, 220 were hospitals, with the rest being mostly textile dyeing, printing, washing, metal, and ice cream factories. Pharmaceutical factories, government and private hospitals, specialized hospitals, and private diagnostic centers were also included. It was discovered that most government hospitals in Dhaka lack ETPs. A source within the Department of Environment revealed that the agency rarely enforces strict regulations on hospitals for obtaining ETPs or permits, often offering leniency due to their nature. Experts say that Dhaka was once crisscrossed by major rivers, but many have vanished due to unplanned urbanization. Be it hospitals or factories, action must be taken against those responsible for polluting rivers.
Dhaka suffers from air pollution, noise pollution, river and canal pollution, plastic and polythene pollution, water contamination, waste pollution, and waterlogging. Although various initiatives have been taken to stop the encroachment and pollution of surrounding rivers like Buriganga, Turag, Balu, and Shitalakhya, nothing seems to be stopping the degradation. The city’s canals also continue to be encroached upon. Once, there were over 54 canals in Dhaka; most are now lost due to encroachment and waste. About 23 canals barely exist today, and these too are severely polluted. As connections between these canals and surrounding rivers have been cut, waterlogging during monsoons has become a nightmare for residents. Meanwhile, the groundwater level continues to drop, increasing future dependency on surface water. Thus, cleaning and restoring the rivers around Dhaka has become a necessity.
Due to industrial waste, polythene, and human waste, the waters of Buriganga and nearby rivers have turned black. Authorities and the administration must act more strictly to protect rivers and canals. Although polythene bags are legally banned, they remain extremely popular. The main reason is the unavailability of affordable alternatives like jute or paper bags. Being easy to use and free for customers, polythene remains one of the most dangerous enemies of the environment. This non-biodegradable product damages drainage systems and poses a significant environmental threat. This pollution will not stop unless polythene production and marketing are addressed with long-term and continuous enforcement. Simultaneously, widespread public awareness campaigns about the harmful effects of polythene are essential. Marketplaces and shops across Dhaka – and indeed the country – must be targeted with inspections. Importantly, if sellers stop distributing polythene bags, buyers will automatically stop using them. To popularize jute bags as alternatives, the government must initially offer substantial subsidies. Making jute bags readily available and meeting demand could save the declining jute industry while protecting the environment.
Various reports confirm that Dhaka now ranks among the top ten most environmentally polluted cities in the world. To overcome this situation, immediate actions must be taken, starting with the removal of illegal structures along the riverbanks. Additionally, smaller rivers and canals around Dhaka must be restored and protected, with embankments on both sides turned into green zones. The lost canals within the city should be revived. As part of an integrated approach, the education sector should prioritize environmental education in all schools and colleges, incorporating practical learning to boost engagement. Universities with environmental science faculties should offer more research opportunities. Moreover, industries must either be relocated or compelled to install ETPs. Ultimately, the government must implement efficient and effective waste management strategies.
To rebuild and beautify the city of Dhaka, we must save the Buriganga. The role of the environment in Dhaka’s development and civilization must be given the highest importance. Therefore, the governance and restoration of the Buriganga should be prioritized. Furthermore, to prevent this environmental disaster, realistic and successful actions must be taken using eco-friendly technologies.
(The writer is former Deputy Director General, Bangladesh
Ansar and VDP).
