International Action Day for Rivers: Padma in narrowing

Rivers are the lifelines of Bangladesh, shaping its geography, its economy and its culture. However, uncontrolled encroachment, pollution and withdrawal of water upstream have left many rivers which have trouble surviving. Rivières formerly biting such as the Padma, the Bhairab and countless others dry out, forming wide highlands, disturbing agriculture and forcing fishermen to abandon their livelihoods. The worsening of the crisis requires urgent attention and action. On this day of international action for rivers, take a look at two of our rivers, which once used to flow gloriously, but which are now smothered to death due to a lack of sustainable management, dredging and pollution control.

The school teacher Rakibul Islam used to crossing the powerful Padma at Shilaidah Point in Kushtia every day to reach his school. But this year, his journey has become even more difficult due to the expanding high fonds in the river.

“The 4-kilometer river has shrunk just 300 meters. Now, I have to cross more than 3.5 kilometers in the top-found, which is both expensive and long. This year, I am forced to stay in Kushtia instead of traveling,” said Rakibul, a teacher at Gangadhardiar Govern Primary School.

A visit to different points in the river revealed excessive areas of speakers developing throughout its course, seriously affecting agriculture and fishing.

The farmer Abdul Malek de Mokarampur in Bheramara Upazila de Kushtia, who used to cultivate paddy on the shore near the Hardinge bridge during the dry season, said the earth this year had become uncultivable due to an excessive sand accumulation.

“While the water retreats, the whole river is covered with sand, which makes the earth infertile for cultures,” he said.

Many farmers who have prepared seed beds at the start of winter have lost their crops as large sand fields will develop along the banks.

Apart from this, fishermen’s communities are also faced with challenges due to the narrowing of the water space.

“Five to six years ago, I could take 5 to 10 kg of fish per day. Now I receive barely 2 to 3 kg,” said Bodhon Kumar, a Pakshey fisherman in Ishwardi Upazila from Pabna.

About 75 fishermen living near Hardinge Bridge know the same crisis, he said.

Meanwhile, despite the concerns about the water shortage, officials claim that the speed recorded in Hardinge Bridge increased this year compared to the last.

According to the joint river commission, the flow of water in Hardinge Bridge in January of last year was 63,113 Cusec, 48,518 Cusec and 48,359 Cusec in three cycles.

In January, the recorded flow increased to 69,643 Cusec, 64,186 Cusec and 64,672 Cusec.

Similarly, in February of last year, the flow was recorded at 43,926 Cusec, 34,697 Cusec and 35,751 Cusec, while in February, it went to 59,202 Cusec, 49,984 Cusec and 42.886 Cusec.

“The water flow has increased on the Harding deck due to more upstream water discharge,” said Zahedul Islam, executive engineer from the regional hydrology department.

However, questioned about the formation of high fonds, he said that the water level is still low, and due to a lack of dredging appropriate, the silt is accumulated, forming highlands at different points.

According to experts, the Ganges Water Share Treaty (1996) guarantees that Bangladesh receives a fixed part of water from the Farakka dam of India between January and May each year, but this allowance is not enough to support the Padma.

The Ganging Water Sharing Treaty at 30 is expected to expire this year, encouraging Bangladesh and India to start discussions on its renewal.

However, experts highlight the need for an equitable water sharing agreement based on international regulations.

“Since the construction of the Farakka dam, we have been deprived of our just part of water, leading to the progressive destruction of the river,” said Mizanur Rahman, militant wetlands and member of the Bangladesh Water Development Board.

Despite the increase in the flow at the Padma this year, the water level remains much less than Ideal, and the level is still down, leading to the expansion of the highlands, he also said.

“We have received an insufficient share of water for years, leading to the progressive destruction of the Padma,” he said, adding that to save the river, Bangladesh must negotiate a good part of water in accordance with international regulations.

By discussing with the Daily Star, Abdul Hamid Khan, secretary of Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon Pabna, underlined the need for urgent action.

“The appropriate dredging is essential to maintain the flowing river. In addition, the establishment of tanks could help maintain the water levels throughout the year,” he said.

Meanwhile, stackers and sand traders continue to exploit the river.

During a visit to Hardinge Bridge, dozens of trucks were seen moving across the vast top-round, transporting sand extracted from different points.

Experts warn that this unregulated sand exploration changes the natural course of the river and further damage its ecosystem.