The rapid urbanization in the capital is gradually filling the water bodies. The growing trend of land filling is putting Dhaka under massive threat.
According to a study, the area of water bodies and low-lying areas in and around Dhaka were 2952 hectares and 13528 hectares respectively in 1960, 2104 hectares and 12718 hectares respectively in 1988 and 1991 hectares and 6415 hectares respectively in 2008.
The above stats show that flow of rivers, canals and beels are being severely hindered due to possession, filling and reduction of the water bodies.
Government and its relevant agencies must
now take a strong stance to save the water
reservoirs in the capital
This is the reason why the water crisis goes high in the winter. Moreover, due to dumping of wastes including industrial wastes, pesticides / chemicals etc., water in the reservoirs is severely polluted. This is ultimately damaging the natural ecosystem and making it unfit for human consumption.
Government and its relevant agencies must now take a strong position to save the water reservoirs in the capital. Proper and strict measures are a must in restoring the water bodies and wetlands. To increase the water holding capacity of our rivers, the government can remove the silt deposited at the bottom through dredging.
Protection of water bodies like rivers and canals, wetland, retention areas and flood flow zones are all significant in the development and urban sustainability and that will maintain an ecological balance.
