Govt identifies 426 pollution sources in rivers around Dhaka
Collected Photo
Road Transport and Bridges Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam said the government has identified around 426 spots as sources of pollution in the rivers around Dhaka.
He made these remarks on Friday morning at the “BIWTA Walkway Run 2026” event organized by the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) in Mohammadpur, Dhaka. At the time, the minister participated in the program alongside individuals who regularly walk and take part in marathons.
The minister added, “Initiatives have been taken to make the riverbanks public-friendly and environment-friendly alongside freeing the rivers from encroachment and pollution. If these activities can be implemented quickly, it will be possible to build a circular water-transportation system around Dhaka.”
He informed that an environment suitable for people to walk is being created by protecting both sides of the rivers. Walkways have already been constructed in various locations. The walkway connections in some areas still remain incomplete. Initiatives have also been taken to construct these missing links.
Rabiul mentioned that the riverbanks are being developed in such a way that people can walk regularly, spend time in a fresh environment, and enjoy the beauty of the rivers in their leisure time. BIWTA is implementing various initiatives to make people more aware and responsible toward the rivers. Encouraging individuals who regularly walk and participate in marathons, as well as ensuring their necessary amenities, is also one of the main objectives of this program.
He noted that a comprehensive action plan has been undertaken to free rivers from encroachment and pollution. As a result of constructing walkways on riverbanks, it is becoming possible to preserve river boundaries. This infrastructure is playing a positive role in controlling the tendency to dump garbage haphazardly.
The minister said nearly 426 spots have been identified as sources of pollution in the rivers around Dhaka. Chemical, liquid, and solid waste are flowing into the rivers through these places. Activities have been undertaken to control these waste sources through coordination among relevant agencies, including the Ministry of Environment and Forests, BIWTA, the City Corporation, and WASA. Work is also underway to prevent waste from entering the rivers.
He added that the government wants to develop the rivers around Dhaka not only as a mode of communication but also as attractive fields for tourism and recreation. To this end, initiatives are being taken to launch new water routes, add modern and attractive water vessels, and construct new water stations and landing stations (ghats). There are plans to develop these stations and ghats in an integrated manner with the road transportation system.
The minister informed that although initiatives were taken in the past to launch passenger transport on circular waterways around Dhaka, the expected success was not achieved. One of the main reasons for this was that traveling by water took more time compared to road routes. There was also no favorable environment for passengers due to river pollution.
However, initiatives have now been taken to overcome these obstacles by controlling river pollution, freeing riverbanks from encroachment, adding modern water vessels, and developing water stations and ghats.
Rabiul expressed hope that if the activities are implemented quickly, it will be possible to establish a circular water-transportation system around Dhaka. As a result, new travel opportunities will be created for city residents.
In addition, river-centric tourism and recreation activities will also expand. When these initiatives of BIWTA are implemented, the rivers around Dhaka will regain their life. A clean, environment-friendly, and public-friendly river-centric environment will be created for the city's residents.
