The Buriganga River, once considered the lifeline of Dhaka city, is now among the most polluted rivers in Bangladesh. Flowing along the southwest edge of the capital, this river has played a

vital role in the socio-economic development of the region for centuries. However, due to unplanned urbanisation, industrialisation, and poor waste management, the Buriganga has

become a symbol of environmental degradation. The water pollution crisis in the Buriganga River is not just an ecological disaster but a severe threat to public health and sustainable urban development.

Historical Significance of the Buriganga

The Buriganga River has been historically important for trade, transportation, and daily life in Dhaka. In the Mughal era, Dhaka’s proximity to this river contributed to its selection as the

provincial capital. The river served as a natural port and facilitated trade with other parts of the region. Even today, many people depend on this river for livelihood, particularly in areas related to transportation, fishing, and small-scale commerce.

Sources of Pollution

Several factors contribute to the water pollution in the Buriganga River, and these can be broadly categorised into industrial waste, household sewage, and solid waste dumping.

Industrial Waste: The major contributor to Buriganga’s pollution is the discharge of untreated industrial waste. The Hazaribagh area, previously known for its leather processing industries, used to release huge quantities of toxic chemicals like chromium, lead, and mercury directly into the river. Although the government shifted many of these tanneries to Savar, poor enforcement and lack of proper effluent treatment facilities continue to allow hazardous waste into the

waterway.

Household and Municipal Waste: A large portion of Dhaka’ suntreated household sewage is

still released into the Buriganga. Dhaka Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (DWASA) lacks the capacity to manage the vast amount of liquid waste produced daily by millions of residents.

Solid Waste and Plastic Dumping: The banks of the Buriganga have become unofficial

dumping grounds for solid waste. Polythene, plastic bottles, food packaging, and other non- biodegradable items are frequently seen floating on the river. Waste from nearby markets and slums adds to the severity of the pollution.

Environmental and Health Impacts

The pollution of the Buriganga River has far-reaching consequences for the environment and public health.

Water Quality Degradation: The water has turned black and emits a foul smell, making it unfit for human use. Aquatic biodiversity has drastically declined. Fish species that once thrived in the river are now disappearing.

Health Hazards: People living near the river suffer from various health issues including skin diseases, gastrointestinal problems, and respiratory issues due to constant exposure to polluted water and air.

Loss of Livelihood: Fishermen and boatmen who relied on the river for income now face economic hardship as the waterway becomes increasingly lifeless and dangerous.

Policy and Legal Framework

The government has undertaken several initiatives to address the pollution of the Buriganga River. Laws such as the Bangladesh Environment Conservation Act (1995) and the Water Act (2013) were enacted to regulate water pollution. However, the implementation and enforcement of these laws remain weak.

The Department of Environment (DoE)regularly monitors pollution levels and has fined several industries for violating environmental standards. Nevertheless, the penalties often fail to act as effective deterrents, and illegal dumping continues.

Ongoing and Past Initiatives

Relocation of Tannery Industries: In 2017, the government relocated tanneries from

Hazaribagh to the Savar Tannery Industrial Estate. Though it was a commendable step, the estate lacks fully operational effluent treatment plants (ETPs), undermining the benefits of relocation

Clean-up Campaigns: Various non-governmental organisations, environmental groups, and educational institutions have conducted awareness campaigns and river clean-up drives.

However, these initiatives have had limited success due to the scale of the problem.

River Dredging: The Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) has undertaken

periodic dredging of the Buriganga to removes ludge and debris. Yet, without stopping the source of pollution, such efforts offer only temporary relief.

Challenges in Managing Pollution

Lack of Coordination: Multiple agencies, including DWASA, DoE, BIWTA, and city corporations, are involved in river management, but a lack of coordination among them often hampers effective action.

Insufficient Infrastructure: Dhaka lacks adequate waste treatment infrastructure. Most industrial areas do not have proper ETPs, and the existing sewage system is outdated and insufficient.

Public Apathy and Low Awareness: Many citizens are unaware or indifferent to the environmental damage they contribute to by dumping waste into the river. Public participation in river conservation is minimal.

Recommendations and Way Forward

Addressing the Buriganga pollution crisis requires a multi-pronged approach involving government, private sector, and community participation.

Strict Enforcement of Laws: The existing laws must be enforced rigorously. Industries should be compelled to install and operate functional ETPs. Repeated violators should face strict

penalties.

Improved Waste Management: City corporations must ensure door-to-door waste collection and stop illegal dumping on riverbanks. Establishing more recycling plants and encouraging the circular economy can also help manage solid waste.

Public Awareness Campaigns: Mass media, community leaders, and educational institutions should play a key role in raising awareness about the impact of water pollution.

Upgrading Infrastructure: DWASA and related bodies must invest in modern sewage and wastewater treatment facilities. Sustainable urban planning should be prioritised.

Integrated River Management Authority: A single authority should be established to oversee the health of rivers across the country. This body should be empowered, funded, and held

accountable.

Community Engagement: Local communities should be involved in protecting the river.

Incentivising eco-friendly behaviour and supporting community-led clean-up projects can make a difference.

Research and Innovation: More research is needed to find innovative, low-cost solutions for water treatment and waste management that are suitable for the Bangladeshi context.

The Buriganga River stands as a grim reminder of the environmental cost of unchecked development. It is still not too late to save this historic river. With strong political will,

community support, and a commitment to sustainable practices, we can restore the Buriganga to its former glory. The health of this river is not just about water quality—it is about the quality of life for millions who depend on it. The time to act is now.