Rivers in Peril: Managing Bangladesh's Vital Waterways' Challenges

RAIYAN KHAN ARPON 

ID:23101414

DATE:08/16/2023

Introduction J

Bangladesh is a land of rivers. There are many rivers. Within our nation, there are several rivers. There are huge ones and little ones. The most intricate river system in the world was formed by the 700 rivers that crisscrossed the continent. Rivers had a significant role in the economy and were an essential component of social, cultural, and national life. Three very large and broad rivers are the Padma, Meghna, and Brahmaputra. Although the Brahmaputra is one of the largest rivers in this subcontinent, the Padma is the most well-known of them. Additionally, several additional rivers—including the Buriganga,  Sitalakhya, Daleswar, Gumti, Karnali, Gowrie, Kumar, Arialkha, and many others—are of a smaller size. One of Bangladesh's largest rivers is the Jamuna.

The Benefits of Rivers

We benefit much from the country's waterways. They provide quick and inexpensive communication. The rivers are home to a large number of launches, steamers, and boats that transport both people and cargo. Bangladesh is mostly a farming nation. The nation's agriculture sector depends on a sufficient water supply. We get our water from rivers. A system of canals transports river water from the rivers to the farms. Therefore, rivers play a significant role in the nation's development and prosperity. We may also find a wide range of fish in the nation's waterways. All through the year, we receive fish from the rivers. In this nation, a sizable portion of the population works as fishermen. They support themselves by fishing in the rivers and selling the fish they catch. Bangladesh generates a significant amount of foreign cash each year by exporting a vast quantity of fish to other nations. In addition, a lot of our marketplaces, cities, and commercial hubs are located around rivers. The business and economics of the nation are greatly influenced by the rivers. Electricity is also produced using river water. By building a dam on the Karnaphuli river, the Kaptai Hydro-Electric Project produces a significant quantity of power.

Why rivers are disappearing

The majority of the country's smaller and medium-sized rivers are being filled in from the bankside, and land is being developed for a variety of uses, including the construction of residences, stores, construction yards, sand, cement, and timber depots, and other structures. The politically powerful mostly control these river invasion processes. During the dry season, water is pumped from several of these rivers to grow rice, onions, or oil seeds on the riverbed. The rivers are dried up because water is drained to irrigate surrounding fields. This has been carried  out across the nation. Although some rice is produced as a result of the operation, the natural supply of freshwater fish is completely wiped off.Until April and May, when fish reproduce, these rivers are dry. Fish movement and spawning are therefore impeded. The bells and jheels experience the same thing. Once thriving homes for aquatic life, many wetlands in Tangail, Sirajganj, Pabna, Faridpur, and Gopalganj are now barren of fish. Untreated liquid industrial effluents are being indiscriminately dumped into rivers, particularly those near metropolitan areas, rendering them biologically inert as the quantity of dissolved oxygen, which is essential for the survival of fish and other aquatic life, drops dramatically. Another article about it was written by barrister Harun ur Rashid.

pollution and the quality of water

In Bangladesh, river pollution has become a major issue and is significantly degrading the water quality in its rivers. The discharge of untreated industrial effluents, agricultural runoff, and poor waste disposal are contaminating the nation's waterways, including the Buriganga, Jamuna, and Padma. Millions of people who rely on these rivers for their drinking water are put at risk by this pollution, which not only endangers aquatic life.  My own experience has shown me how dirty the Buriganga River is. Occasionally, when I travel by the Buriganga, the color of the water is dark, and I can see plastic bottles and other trash in it. It has an awful odor. As soon as I near this river, I have to hold my breath. It is urgent that action be taken to stop river damage. Through the implementation of stronger rules, the promotion of sustainable farming practices, and increased public awareness, the government and environmental organizations are working to address river pollution. The ecology, public health, and the general welfare of the inhabitants in Bangladesh depend critically on the rivers' water quality being maintained.

 how to prevent river pollution 

River contamination is becoming a major problem on a worldwide scale. Water contamination is the root cause of several deadly illnesses. Therefore, it is crucial to stop the increasingly serious problem of water contamination. Plastic is extremely difficult to degrade after it has been manufactured. The world's water supply is where a large portion of the plastic we consume ends up, making it much more difficult to remove and securely dispose of. As a result, we can assist the environment if we use as little plastic as possible. Ammonia, bleach, paint, paint thinner, and other harmful substances are becoming a major issue. And if disposed of improperly, the repercussions of flushing things down the toilet or drain only compound. To securely dispose of these hazardous wastes and recycle old paint, used motor oil, and other chemicals, there are several recycling facilities and drop-off locations. Do not flush household objects like tissues, dental floss, wrappers, dust cloths, and other paper products down the toilet after using them. While cleaning solutions produced with fiber-reinforced materials contaminate the system, toilet paper is especially designed to degrade quickly in water pipes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, combating river pollution is a vital endeavor that needs teamwork and dedication from governments, businesses, communities, and people. We can protect our rivers and ensure that they continue to play a crucial role in maintaining ecosystems and supplying clean water for future generations by enforcing strict rules, adopting sustainable practices, increasing public awareness, and investing in cutting-edge technologies. It is our duty to act proactively right now to stop future deterioration and guarantee the wellbeing and sustainability of our priceless river resources.

Raiyan Khan Arpon

Raiyan Khan Arpon was born and raised in Mymensingh, and he attended Nakla Pilot Model High School for SSC and Mymensingh Government  College for his HSC. He traveled to several cities for his father's government employment, and he enjoys helping underprivileged people and spending time with his family. The writer has a passion for storytelling. He truly enjoys getting to know new individuals while hearing about them. Arpon is currently majoring in Computer Science and Engineering at BRAC University, and he wishes to change the world for the better by applying his knowledge and skills.