Biodiversity is under threat due to canal encroachment
Bangladesh News: It is concerning that powerful groups are threatening cropland, canals, and wetlands with encroachment in Bhaluka Upazila, Mymensingh, risking environmental disaster.
Factories and establishments are being built by filling these wetlands without the administration’s knowledge or bypassing the law. As a result, local agriculture, biodiversity and the ecosystem are being severely damaged.
Wetlands and Beels are not only important for agricultural production, but they were also a safe haven for fish, birds and other animals in these areas. Kirtankhola beel, known for Boro rice, is now being filled with sand.
Similarly, parts of Nishinda beel and Garoil beel have been filled in to set up factories. As a result of filling the beels, not only are the villagers losing their source of fish and rice, but the risk of waterlogging during the rainy season is also increasing.
Another long-term impact of filling the beels and canal encroachment is on the environment. Experts warn that filling wetlands will destroy natural water reservoirs and lead to water shortages. Due to the shortage of water required for irrigation, the cropland will lose its usefulness for cultivation.
Moreover, the risk of drought, drought and natural disasters will increase due to the shortage of water vapor. Habitat loss and species extinction are seriously harming biodiversity.
Although the local administration claims to have taken some steps in this regard, effective initiatives are not yet visible. The Upazila Nirbahi Officer has ordered to stop the filling of the beel and assured an investigation.
However, these instructions are not enough. Strict action is needed against illegal filling and a specific plan to restore the canals and beels.
Local administration, environmental organizations, and the public must work together to protect the Bhaluka wetlands. The administration should take more stringent steps to increase the enforcement of the law to protect the environment.
Wetlands are one of the main resources of our environment. It is the responsibility of all of us to protect them. If current mismanagement continues to favor the powerful, we risk leaving a harmful environment for future generations.
This is unacceptable in any way. Therefore, initiatives must be taken now so that the country’s canals and canals and the environment can be restored.
