Bangladesh Environment Movement (Bapa) and Buriganga Bachao Andolan have demanded the introduction of a circular waterway in Dhaka to protect Buriganga and other rivers. This demand was announced in a human chain organized at Swarighat across Buriganga river in Dhaka on Friday. Speakers in the rally presented seven-point demands.
Their demands are restoration of river space through evacuation and rehabilitation, restoration of navigability of the old Buriganga by indiscriminate complete de-encroachment and re-dredging, restoration and preservation of canals, floodplains and agricultural lands connected to each river, reconstitution of the National River Protection Commission and all rivers as directed by the High Court. - Completing the list of bil-haur and water body occupiers, using the original Cadastral Survey (CS) as the basis for river demarcation and river flow during peak season and imposing appropriate fines on river, canal and water body polluters.
Mihir Biswas, coordinator of Buriganga Bachao Andolan, presided over the program titled 'Urgent measures to prevent encroachment and pollution of Buriganga River: Launching of circular waterways around the capital'.
General Secretary Alamgir Kabir, Joint Secretary Humayun Kabir Sumon and Dr. Mahabub Hossain, National Council member Ashraf Amirullah and Haji Sheikh Anshar Ali, life member. Abdul Hamid, CDP officer Edward A Madhu, Farid Uddin Ahmed Jewel, a resident of Buriganga Par, social activist Md. Salim, Kamelia Chowdhury, Md. Russell et al.
Alamgir Kabir said in the program, Buriganga is the life of Dhaka. Dhaka city is built around Buriganga. If Buriganga survives, people of Dhaka will survive, future generations will survive. All the rivers of the country should be seized and de-polluted. If the circular waterway is opened around Dhaka, it will be possible to ease traffic congestion. Our request to the present government is to protect all the rivers of the country including the Buriganga.
BRAC University teacher Dr. Mahabub said, earlier, if the water of Buriganga was applied to the body, the dirt would be cleaned. Now if the Buriganga water touches the body, we have to clean ourselves. It is now called a garbage dump. All levels of people including the government should come forward to protect this river.
