The once vibrant and life-sustaining Buriganga River, which flows through the heart of Dhaka, has now become a grim symbol of environmental neglect. Over the years, rampant pollution and unchecked industrial activities have transformed this once majestic water body into a toxic cesspool, endangering not only aquatic life but also posing serious health hazards to the surrounding communities.
Recent observations along the banks of the Buriganga paint a distressing picture of the river`s decline. Thick layers of industrial effluents, plastic waste, and untreated sewage have turned its waters into a murky, foul-smelling concoction that no longer supports the rich biodiversity it once did.
Fishermen, who once relied on the river for their livelihoods, now struggle to find any semblance of aquatic life amidst the pollution.
Local residents living in the vicinity of the Buriganga River are also facing the brunt of its degradation.
The noxious fumes emanating from the polluted water have been linked to respiratory illnesses and other health problems among those who depend on the river for bathing, washing, and other daily activities.
Furthermore, the contaminated water poses a significant risk of waterborne diseases, further exacerbating the public health crisis.
Authorities have been criticized for their failure to address the root causes of the Buriganga`s decline. Despite numerous pledges and promises to clean up the river, concrete action has been sorely lacking.
Industrial units continue to operate with impunity, dumping their waste directly into the river without adequate treatment. Similarly, urban encroachments along the riverbanks have further diminished its capacity to regenerate and thrive.
Environmental activists and concerned citizens are calling for urgent intervention to save the Buriganga from total collapse. They are urging the government to enforce stricter regulations on industrial pollution, invest in wastewater treatment infrastructure, and promote public awareness campaigns to foster a culture of environmental stewardship.
