River-grabbing must stop

EDITORIAL

Can we save our rivers before it's too late?

The Daily Star yesterday revealed how a 158-acre area of Karnaphuli River in Chattogram was grabbed by individuals linked to the ruling party. The occupied area was then rented out to low-income families. But the local administration has failed to reclaim the land, let alone prevent fresh attempts to grab land. The day before yesterday, we also reported on how a mighty river in Nilphamari turned into a drain because of rampant grabbing.

Both the cases highlight the blatant failure of the authorities concerned to prevent our rivers from being occupied by powerful individuals—that too, in spite of the longstanding concerns of environmentalists and urban planners. The problem is so severe in Dhaka that 60 percent of wetlands in the city have disappeared in just 30 years.

Rivers are critically important to our environment and livelihood, as they transport water, provide habitat, support economic activities and enable transportation.

Had we been able to preserve our rivers, canals and wetlands, many of our urban woes would never have emerged. For instance, the grabbing of rivers and canals is widely blamed for the extreme waterlogging problem prevalent in big cities like Dhaka and Chattogram. Had our old waterways survived, our traffic congestion might not have been intolerable, as it is now, as the waterways could have served as an alternative route.

We ignore the danger of river-grabbing at our own peril. Unless we take this issue seriously, we risk more of our rivers, a lifeline for a sustainable city, being gradually occupied by influential individuals and, as such, inviting more troubles. For the sake of the environment and our very wellbeing, we need to take care of our rivers.

• Courtesy: The Daily Star /Nov, 25, 2018