Saving Buriganga from grabbers

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THE Buriganga is threatened by encroachment, with its natural flows impeded by landfilling and unauthorised structures. The encroachments have narrowed down the river. At many points it flows past the city like a canal. Allowing this process of encroachment would mean blocking the Buriganga flow completely some years from now.

Clearly, the Buriganga needs to be saved from the grabbers. Only eviction will not serve any purpose unless the action is followed up by concrete measures to prevent reoccupation by the grabbers. Eviction earlier by the government proved to be fruitless as the grabbers returned soon afterwards. Therefore, we have to do something, without repeating the experience.

Probably, a paved circular road all the way along the banks, plus plantation of trees and creation of river-side natural parks can be attempted by the government to keep the grabbers away after the eviction drive. More significant would be completing all legal arrangements and the setting up of all sorts of checks and physical barriers so that the grabbers find no opportunity to reoccupy the river after the incumbent government leaves office. In sum, the result of the eviction should be durable for their salubrious effect on the environment of the city.

Ruhul Amin

Testuribazar, Tejgaon, Dhaka.