Says Bapa; accuses govt agencies, private companies
The second channel of the Buriganga, which flows along the southwestern edge of the capital, is being constantly encroached upon by different government agencies and a
handful of influential people, Bangladesh Paribesh Andolon (Bapa) said yesterday.
This unchecked encroachment is making the channel nearly dead, leaders of the environmental group told a press conference at Dhaka Reporters’ Unity.
Filling wetlands to make a cemetery behind the Rayer Bazar killing field and construction several short-length bridges in Rasulpur area of Kamrangirchar are choking
the channel, which is also known as Morarkhari (dead channel), said Sharif Jamil, joint secretary of Bapa.
“The death of the channel will cause reduction of the means of transportation, inadequate drainage system, and shortage of surface water that also impacts ground water
recharge,” he said,
“If the government wants to save the channel, which is a lifeline of the city, it must act now.”
Construction of mosques, shopping malls and factories on the river have narrowed the stream at different spots in Keraniganj, he added.
Sharif Jamil, also founder of Buriganga Riverkeeper, presented satellite images showing how a station of the Power Development Board and buildings of Matador Company,
Panna Group, several refuelling stations and other structures stand on the banks.
Sign boards advertising plots inside the river can be seen on both banks in Kamrangirchar and Lalbagh areas, he added.
“The blatant disregard for survival of the lifeline has been possible because of the government’s inaction,” he said.
In addition, dumping of industrial and household wastes has heavily polluted the Buriganga, said MA Matin, general secretary of Bapa.
-With The Daily Star input
