Saving the country's rivers has become a big challenge. Many rivers are heavily polluted due to the dumping of industrial and human wastes. Toxic wastes of factories have destroyed the aquatic life of the rivers. The water of the rivers has also become unusable for bathing and washing. Also, silting of rivers is another concern. Influential quarters have built houses, mills, markets, even multi-storey buildings on the banks of the rivers to encroach them gradually. To protect their illegal structures, encroachers offer bribe to a section of government officials. So, the authorities concerned take little action to stop the illegal filling and encroachment of the rivers. The result is the collapse of the drainage systems and frequent water-logging in different localities.
Despite being the lifeline of the nation, there are a few effective steps to save the rivers. Observing the World Rivers Day-2023 on Sunday last, river rights activists stressed more conscientious actions to save the rivers. They also underscored the need for creating public awareness about the necessity of uninterrupted water flow in the rivers. Natural and uninterrupted water flow must be ensured to save the ecosystem and protect bio-diversity and ecology. It is also important for our national economy.
Ali Siddique,
Rangpur