By Atiqur Rahmna, Atik from Rajshahi
A press conference was held yesterday at the BARCIK Rajshahi Resource Center, jointly organized by Green Coalition, Barendra Youth Forum, and BARCIK, demanding an end to pollution and encroachment of rivers originating from the Padma River in Rajshahi.
Speakers in the event said that uncontrolled solid and liquid waste from the city is flowing through drains into the Swaramangala River, Barahi River, Nabaganga River, and Barnai River. Once rich in biodiversity, these rivers are now polluted, clogged with plastic and silt, foul-smelling, and nearly lifeless. Local fishers are losing income as aquatic life declines.
They mentioned that toxic wastewater is also accumulating in major wetlands, including Sapmara Beel, Bakmari Beel, Bhugroil Beel, Paikor Beel, Barobaria Beel, and Karnahar Beel, threatening agriculture, fisheries, and food safety. There are fears that pollution may spread downstream to Chalan Beel in Natore District, posing wider ecological risks.
Including BARCIK the environmentalist and civil society organizations warned that farming with contaminated water is degrading soil quality and increasing health risks, including skin and waterborne diseases, particularly among children, women, and the elderly. They stressed that the crisis is environmental and a matter of public health, agriculture, food security, and environmental justice.
A six-point demand was presented, including: immediate removal of encroachment and pollution from affected rivers; modern sewage treatment plants (STP) in Rajshahi; mandatory effluent treatment plants (ETP) for industries and hospitals; independent investigation into pollution sources; public testing of water and soil quality; and a comprehensive river and wetland restoration master plan involving local communities, youth, environmental groups, and experts.
