Over the last few years, NASA and other space agencies have been trying to find out traces of life on other planets in the universe. They are trying to detect the presence of water. If there is water, then there is a chance of life's existence. Without water life cannot be imagined.
If it is not kept clean, water may become dangerous too. Contaminated water can spread diseases. Stagnant water is the breeding ground of deadly germs as well as different kinds of mosquitoes. Many people die of malaria, diarrhoea, typhoid, dysentery and other water-borne diseases every year. Water polluted by industrial waste is a major reason behind extinction of many fish species. Contaminated water used in farming is damaging crops and vegetables with harmful contaminants such as heavy metals and other toxic chemicals.
Bangladesh has about 200 rivers with a total length of about 22000km, and a 720km coastline. Apart from these, we have thousands of ponds, lakes and marshy lands. These water bodies, if kept clean, would beautify our landscapes to a great extent. They would become healthy abode and breeding grounds for the fish populations, and they would give us a sound environment ensuring comfort in our life.
If we take care of water, the return from nature would be huge. This is why the country should invest money and wisdom for keeping it clean. The government should have a long-term vision to maintain the country's water in rivers and other natural sources clean.
Stopping pollution created by sewage: We have to stop pollution of water by way of sewage. As per the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973, no raw sewage can be discharged into the sea within 3 nautical miles from the nearest land. Disinfected sewage can be discharged at a distance of more than three nautical miles from the nearest land. Raw sewage can only be discharged at a distance of more than 12 nautical miles from the nearest land, at a moderate rate, when the ship is en route and is proceeding at not less than four nautical miles per hour. When sewage discharge at open sea is restricted, we observe that our rivers, lakes, ponds and water bodies are being polluted by sewage. The international community has restricted sewage discharge at sea by regulation. Why shouldn't we be able to stop sewage-pollution by imposing a national rule and implementing it in the country?
Stopping pollution created by garbage: Only the discharges of food waste, cargo residues, cleaning agents and animal carcasses are permitted at sea with certain restrictions. Discharge of all other garbage including plastic, synthetic ropes, fishing gear, plastic garbage bags, incinerated ashes, etc. is prohibited. As per International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, no garbage can be disposed of at sea within 3 nautical miles from the nearest land. Food waste ground to no greater than 25 mm can be thrown beyond 3 nautical miles from the nearest land. However, the ship must be en route during discharging time. Food waste without size limitations can be thrown at sea after 12 nautical miles from the nearest land. No substance, harmful to marine lives, can be thrown at sea. We as a nation have to be much more organised in waste management. We need to learn to recycle the items, such as metals, plastic, etc. The litter thrown into the street can eventually reach the rivers, canals and the sea. Proper disposal of garbage items keeps them from making their way to waters.
Pollution by oil and chemicals: As per the international law, ships are only allowed to discharge water that does not contain more than 15 ppm oil. This is a mixture of water and oil. For example, it is like 15 cups of oil in a million-cup water volume. Such a minute presence of oil is not visible to open eyes. It can only be detected by an electronic sensor. Our boats, motor launches, industries on the banks of the rivers are always throwing everything into water including oil, grease and textile dying chemicals and other hazardous industrial wastes.
Minimize use of chemicals: Nitrogen and phosphorus, commonly used in fertilisers, kill aquatic life when they enter a water body. Reduction of fish populations and extinction of different fish species can be observed in our rural areas. Only 30 to 40 years ago, we saw people catching various kinds of fishes in the ditches in paddy fields. But now these fishes have become scarce.
Safe disposal of hazardous materials: Industrial disposals are hazardous for lives. Proper disposal of hazardous materials such as paints, motor oil and pharmaceuticals keeps them out of water. Our municipal corporations should have chemical pick-up services, and the chemicals should be dropped into designated locations. Drainage from industries has to be strictly monitored by the government agencies concerned.
Revolutionising cleaning-up: When so much care has been taken to keep the oceans free of contamination, it cannot be rational for a maritime country like Bangladesh to keep silent over the terrible contamination of the rivers: the Buriganga, the Shitalakkhya and others.
We must revolutionise cleaning-up efforts by taking local action and supporting the policy change necessary to prevent and reduce rubbish entering our waters. Our schools should organise cleaning-up days, so that students can take part in local drives launched to help keep trash out of water. We should clean up the litter thrown along a river, a stream or on the beach, or along city streets or highways.
Our leaders and policy makers should participate in community development. They should initiate and get involved with cleaning water up and ensure that pollution-free water becomes a component of any development initiative. They should arrange public meetings regularly to make people aware of pollution. They should take opinions of the public and put forward their own views to people highlighting how to keep the water clean. Even if they are not experts on water use, they can put the issue on the agenda, bring in expert consultants and educate themselves and the public.
Our dream: Can we imagine a land where water is clean and blue? Can we dream a lot of greeneries around water-lands that are well maintained, where we can sit for a while with a great sigh of relief after the hectic day of hard work? It is a dream that may or may not come true in our lifetime in Bangladesh. However, the government should have the vision and an effort to maintain our water bodies clean.
The writer is technical adviser, DNV GL, International Ships' Classification Society, Singapore. [email protected]
© 2024 - All Rights with The Financial Express
