HELEMUL ALAM

The rivers encircling Dhaka have been gasping for survival for decades, choked by pollution and encroachment.

Recent data, however, shows that the situation is deteriorating further -- and may be worse than previously imagined. A study conducted by the River and Delta Research Centre (RDRC) in January revealed that pollution sources around Dhaka’s rivers have nearly doubled over the last five years, surging from 608 to 1,024.

The RDRC study, conducted in January using high-resolution satellite imagery and field surveys, exposes the breadth of pollutants choking the Buriganga, Turag, Shitalakhya, Balu, Tongi Canal, Karnatali, and Dhaleswari rivers. The findings revealed 102 industrial waste outlets discharging untreated pollutants into the waterways, along with 75 municipal sewerage lines and 216 small private sewerage outlets spewing domestic and industrial waste.

Additionally, the study highlighted 38 sluice gates and 62 service canals acting as conduits for contaminants, while 144 large dumping stations and 297 smaller dumping points worsened the situation with indiscriminate waste disposal. Dockyards, numbering 12, along with 46 industries and 36 kitchen markets, were also identified as major contributors to the pollution.

Dr Md Kamruzzaman, director general of the Department of Environment, said the department is yet to receive the final report.

“Once we have the full report, we will

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