The annual loss due to river pollution is about US$2.830 billion
With 258 points of the Buriganga River, household and industrial waste are falling directly into the river. Solid waste and sewage are discharging through 269 points of the Turag River104 points of the Balu River, and 62 points of the Tongi canal.
In addition, there are many more pollution points in the rivers of Bangladesh. Manzur Ahmed Chowdhury, Chairman of the National River Conservation Commission (NRCC), made the remarks at a view exchange meeting titled
“Pollution-ridden Dhaka’s Rivers, Problems and Solutions” at the CIRDAP (Centre on Integrated Rural Development for Asia and the Pacific) auditorium in Dhaka.
Manzur Ahmed informed that the information came from the on-the-spot inspection of the commission. The waste of many industrial establishments along the rivers also falls into the rivers.
Citing a report by the World Bank, he said, “The total annual financial loss due to river pollution in the country is US$2.830 billion. If not tale any vital steps to address this situation, the damage will reach 5.1 trillion over the next 20 years. All canals are polluted. At present, the rivers are dying due to biological and chemical pollution.”
Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury, State Minister for Shipping, said, “All laws related to rivers and water pollution have been passed during the Awami League government. No other government has taken steps to protect the river from pollution.
There is an old proverb: “What will throw in the water, it must return.” He called on the people to be vocal in blocking the occupation of rivers and canals.
He said the river protection committees at the country’s divisional, district, and Upazila levels should play a more active role. The country must protect itself by protecting rivers, canals, and Beels.
Md Mostafa Kamal, Secretary of the Ministry of Shipping, said he had the opportunity to work with the NRCC while he was the secretary of the environment ministry.
At the field level, the representatives of the NRCC are the representatives of the local government. They can take appropriate steps to protect the river environment by preventing pollution and encroachment. He also shows his expectation that NRCC will remain active in this regard.
“We do not want to waste another day. If the NRCC asks for information and any organization fails to provide it, we will take strict action against them,” he added.
