Save rivers from pollution

Bapa President Prof Muzaffer Ahmad speaks at a press conference at Dhaka Reports' Unity in the city yesterday. On his left is Sharif Jamil and on his right is Bapa General Secretary Abdul Matin.Photo: STAR

Speakers at a press conference yesterday demanded that the government makes setting up effluent treatment plant (ETP) in every factory mandatory and takes immediate steps to save rivers from pollution.
They also said that most of the rivers already lost its navigability due to pollution. In 1971 the country had 24140 kilometres of waterway, whereas it has only 3800 kilometres now, they added.
Bangladesh Paribesh Andolon (Bapa) and National River Protection Movement jointly organised the press conference at Dhaka Reporters' Unity in the city.
General Secretary of Bapa Abdul Matin in his written statement said that it is high time a river-friendly policy is formulated to save environment and human civilisation.
He emphasised using organic fertiliser instead of chemical ones to save environment from pollution.
He also demanded banning some chemicals, including DDT, Heptachlor and Benzene terming those as harmful and adding that such chemicals will destroy human civilisation as well as the environment.
The demands also include introduction of a cleaner production system, stern actions against import of banned chemicals, use of CNG as fuel in vessels, fixing river boundary and saving them from encroachment.
He called on the media to highlight river pollution in order to create awareness among people.
He described the sources of pollution and effects on main rivers in the country.
About 441 industries pollute the river Karnaphuli, discharging 10-12 million liquids and 6000 gallons oil in the river, which increases toxic elements and decreases the variety and number of fishes.
North Bengal Paper Mills pollutes the Padma discharging chlorine, sodium hydro oxidizes and mercury, decreasing fish production.
The Meghna is polluted by the wastes discharged by Ashuganj Fertiliser Industry.
Discharges from commercial and passenger ships and household wastages pollute the river Brahmaputra.
The Jamuna is being polluted by Dewanganj Sugar Industry and Urea Fertiliser Industry, which use ammonia, calcium, chloride and lubricants.
Five big drains and 277 tanneries and commercial ships pollute the Buriganga.
The Turag is being polluted by the wastages discharged from commercial and industrial ships as well as industries.
The Shitalaksha is being polluting by Meghna Cement Factory and Ghorashal Fertiliser Industry.
The main source of the pollution in the Sangu is poisonous fish and chemicals that result in fish diseases.
Khulna Newsprint Mills pollutes the river Bhairab using potassium, manganese and other perishable ingredients.
Mongla, Pashur and Rupsa are polluted by discharges from commercial ships and oil tankers.
The Rupsa is being polluted by the wastages discharged from Khulna City, causing a decline in fish production.
Bapa President Prof Muzaffer Ahmad said although river communication is cost effective, the government is spending less in this sector compared to the highways.
Iqbal Habib, joint secretary of BAPA, and Sharif Jamil also spoke at the press conference.