The Urgent Need to Protect Southern Rivers, Hilsa, and Salt: A Call for Environmental Action
The rivers in southern Bangladesh, vital for local communities and ecosystems, are facing significant threats. They support fisheries, salt production, and function as key transport and irrigation routes. However, they are rapidly becoming less navigable and more polluted, threatening food security.
The situation has reached a critical point, where immediate action is needed to prevent furthAt a recent networking meeting in Barisal organized by BELA (Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association), local environmentalists expressed concerns about the worsening condition of the region’s rivers and the serious long-term consequences if immediate action is not taken. not taken. With Hilsa fish and the livelihoods of thousands of people on the line, the time for action is now.
The Barisal Division in Bangladesh has key waterways, including the Rabnabad Channel, Poyra River, Bishkhali River, and Baleswar River. These waterways face issues like siltation, pollution, encroachment, and unchecked developmenThey have many resources but face issues like reduced water flow, fewer fish breeding grounds, and loss of biodiversity. AdditionallyCoal-powered plants and industries are dumping untreated waste into rivers.
Coal transportation from these power plants has severely harmed the area, causing toxic contamination that affects water quality and fish populations, including the important Hilsa species.
The Hilsa, Bangladesh’s national fish, has seen its breeding patterns disrupted due to the changing environment. The reduction of breeding grounds and overfishing has led to a decline in the population of this species.
Industrial waste pollution and land encroachment for commercial use have severely impacted the natural habitat of Hilsa and other aquatic species, jeopardizing the local fishery industry. Additionally, salt production in the south is threatened by siltation and pollution, which degrade salt quality and market value. The Barisal meeting emphasized the need for immediate actions to restore river health and protect Hilsa and salt production. safeguard these natural resources.
Experts and activists are calling for sustainable river management that involves legal protections for rivers, regulated development along banks, and support for eco-friendly industrial practices. Additionally, the need for sustainable energy alternatives is paramount. Rather than relying on coTransitioning from coal-powered plants to renewable energy would lessen environmental and social impacts. Experts and activists support sustainable river management practices, which include legal protections for rivers, regulated riverbank development, and eco-friendly industrial practices, allowing communities to have a voice in decisions affecting their environment and livelihood.
Community-driven conservation is an effective way to protect ecosystems long-term. It involves local initiatives to safeguard rivers and marine life. marine life. Bangladesh should collaborate with its government, local communities, and environmental groups to protect the Sundarbans, Hilsa fisheries, and other vital ecosystems from climate change.atural resources but also to ensure that future gen
