Protecting our water reservoirs

Bangladesh was once full of rivers, canals and water bodies. They were the lifeline for almost every aspect of our life. Many of these water reservoirs are, however, dying fast because of pollution and land-grabbing. A number of rivers have already ceased to exist, while others are facing existential crisis. Rivers are being 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 and canals has also become unusable for bathing and washing. Also, silting of rivers is another concern. Influential quarters have built houses, mills, markets and 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. But the authorities concerned take little action to stop the illegal filling and encroachment of the rivers and canals. The result is the collapse of the drainage systems and frequent water-logging in different localities.
According to the Department of Fisheries, Dhaka city had more than 2,000 ponds in 1985. But currently, the number is only 100. Water reservoirs are drying up in the capital and elsewhere across the country. The government enacted a law to protect water reservoirs in 2000. But it could not do much to save the water bodies. We have to save our water bodies and reservoirs if we want to save our life and livelihoods. Now is the time to take immediate action to protect our rivers, canals and ponds. All the factories set up on river banks must establish effluent treatment plants (ETPs) to treat their waste before disposal. We all should come forward to protect the natural environment of the country to make it more liveable.
Al Amin,
Student of University of Dhaka, Dhaka,
alaminsarkar522@gmail.com