Gazipur at Bangladesh is facing an environmental disaster due to urbanization and industrialization
Gazipur is facing environmental threats due to unplanned urbanization and industrialization. From 2000 to 2023, 60 percent of Gazipur’s forests have been deforested and 50 percent of its water bodies have been encroached upon.
A study titled ‘Environmental Status of Gazipur District: Consequences and Journey’ was conducted by the River and Delta Research Center in collaboration with Bangladesh River Foundation, Prokriti O Jibon Foundation and Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association (BELA). This information was found in this study.
The area of forest area in Gazipur in 2000 was 39,943 hectares. In 2023, it decreased to 16,174 hectares. That is, the forest area has decreased by 59.51 percent in three years. In 2000, the water body was 11,462 hectares. In 2023, it decreased to 5,568 hectares.
That is, the area of water body has decreased by 51.42 percent during this period. According to international standards, an area should have 20 to 25 percent forest and 7 to 14 percent water bodies. But Gazipur now has only 9.49 percent forest land and 3.27 percent water bodies.
The research report says that a large number of people in Gazipur are moving from villages to urban areas. Due to this, the urban population growth rate is 10.51 percent, while the rural population has decreased by 2.05 percent.
People have left villages and moved to cities mainly due to industrial-based employment. Now 61.52 percent of the working-age population is working in various industries.
The number of industrial areas has more than doubled between 2000 and 2023. The rise in industries is contributing to the destruction of forests and water bodies in this area. At the same time, it is increasing the level of pollution.
In 2000, the district’s land use was as follows: 23.44% forest, 6.73% water bodies, 50.21% settlements, 5.21% industrial areas, 10.21% agricultural areas, and 3.19% open space.
These figures have changed significantly by 2023. At this time, the settlement area has increased to 65.83 percent and the industrial area to 8.73 percent.
Forest area decreased to 9.49%, water bodies to 3.27%, agricultural areas to 11.92%, and open space to 0.77%.
In the last two decades, approximately 23,769 acres, or 59.5 percent, of Gazipur’s forest area have been lost to uncontrolled development.
Canals, rivers, and wetlands, essential to Gazipur’s ecosystem and economy, are under serious threat due to pollution and encroachment.
The study found 247 major encroachments and 161 active pollution sources in significant water bodies like the Turag, Labanda, Tongi, Mogar, and Chilai rivers.
The Turag River is facing a dire crisis of pollution, largely attributed to industrial effluents being discharged from Marcus Bill. The Labanda River is polluted due to plastic processing factories, 15 municipal waste lines and 39 visible industrial waste lines.
The Mogar Canal has experienced severe encroachment, with 34 recorded incidents primarily involving commercial activities and land filling.
Illegal brick kilns on the banks of the Turag River have increased pollution and encroachment, further complicating the situation. Meanwhile, traditional livelihoods such as farming and fishing are increasingly under threat.
The study recommends urgent action by the municipal and national authorities to address the environmental crisis in Gazipur.
Strong environmental policies and their effective implementation are essential to prevent further damage and restore the district’s natural balance.
