Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (BAPA) is calling for urgent action to protect the rivers, canals, and wetlands in the Rajshahi area. Leaders of BAPA handed a memorandum to Rajshahi’s divisional commissioner, ANM Bazlur Rashid, emphasizing the need to dredge and restore these vital waterways.
Rajshahi, known in the past as the “city of ponds,” has seen a drastic loss of its natural water bodies due to encroachment and neglect. BAPA highlighted that illegal occupation and pollution have greatly reduced the capacity of rivers and canals. This has led to severe waterlogging and crop damages, particularly during heavy rains.
A recent report pointed out troubling trends: groundwater levels in Rajshahi, Naogaon, and Chapainawabganj are dropping. Over-irrigation, blocked river flows, and climate change are contributing to this decline, increasing the risk of desertification in the region.
The Padma River’s pollution and reduced flow have also sped up siltation, which hampers navigation and threatens Rajshahi’s potential as a functional river port. Most local rivers—including the Padma, Shib-Barnoi, and others—are now largely unusable, clogged with waste and illegal structures. BAPA warns that without immediate dredging and restoration, these waterways may lose their environmental roles altogether.
BAPA urges coordinated government action to rejuvenate water flow and restore the region’s biodiversity. In response to the memorandum, Commissioner ANM Bazlur Rashid announced they had initiated the excavation of a filled pond. He reassured the public that no more ponds would be filled in Rajshahi, promising to review all illegal fillings post-election.
Rashid also highlighted a newly proposed Development Project aimed at tackling encroachment and pollution across four divisions. Dredging efforts will commence in phases once approved.
This issue isn’t just local; a wider trend is emerging across Bangladesh. Studies show that urbanization and industrialization are pushing cities into an environmental crisis. Public sentiment on social media reflects increasing concerns for natural resources and advocacy for sustainable practices. The urgency for action is felt by many, with communities rallying around preserving their waterways.
To stay updated on environmental issues affecting waterways in Bangladesh, consider checking resources like the Bangladesh government portal or local environmental NGOs. These organizations are key in promoting awareness and gathering support for sustainability efforts.
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