Bangladesh Rivers / BAN will be left speechless! Government's eye-opening report comes out

Bangladesh Rivers: The water crisis has reached a new height in Bangladesh, where, according to a recent study, at least 79 rivers have either dried up completely or are on the verge of drying up. The study was conducted by the River and Delta Research Centre (RDRC) from January 2023 to December 2024 based on government data, academic papers and news reports.

Key findings

According to this study, out of 1,156 rivers flowing in Bangladesh, 79 rivers are loaded with huge amounts of silt and are on the verge of drying up. According to the researchers, the water flow of these rivers is decreasing rapidly, affecting not only agriculture and fisheries but also putting the livelihood of millions of people at risk.

Causes of drying up of rivers

Encroachment and urbanisation: Rapidly increasing urbanisation and illegal encroachment are hampering the water flow of rivers. The problem is especially severe in Khulna, Satkhira, Rajshahi and Kushtia areas.

Dams and water structures: The construction of various dams and water structures has blocked the natural flow of rivers, affecting water availability.

Environmental change: Climate change and erratic rainfall are also reducing the water level of rivers.

Human activities: Indiscriminate sand mining and industrial waste dumping into the river are also one of the main reasons for the drying up of rivers.

List of affected areas

The study found that out of the 79 rivers drying up:

25 rivers are located in Khulna Division

19 in Rajshahi

14 in Rangpur

6 in Chittagong

5 in Mymensingh

4 in Dhaka

3 each are located in Barishal and Sylhet Divisions.

Effects of drying up of rivers

Agricultural crisis: Farms are not getting water for irrigation, leading to a sharp decline in crop production.

Effects on fisheries industry: It has become difficult for fishing communities to make a living.

Transportation disrupted: Boat transportation is being affected due to low water levels in many rivers.

Environmental imbalance: Wildlife and ecosystem are being negatively affected.

Possible measures for solution

According to environmental expert Sayeeda Rizwana Hasan, it is necessary to understand the reasons for the drying up of each river in order to revive the rivers. Currently, the Bangladesh government is focusing on reviving some major rivers. The following measures can be taken to deal with this crisis:

Implementation of river rejuvenation projects

• Removal of illegal encroachments and strict implementation of water conservation policies
• Making local communities aware and involved
• Rainwater harvesting and construction of artificial reservoirs
• Re-evaluation of the effects of dams and other structures

Conclusion

The problem of drying up of rivers in Bangladesh is not just an environmental issue, but it is becoming a major threat to the country's economy and society. If concrete steps are not taken soon, this crisis may become even more severe in the coming years. To conserve rivers, there is a need for joint efforts from the government, local communities and environmentalists.