[🇧🇩] Save the Rivers/Forests/Hills-----Save the Environment

[Krishna with Flute]

Pollution of Louhajang river continues

Within two months after being cleaned by 2,000 volunteers from “BD Clean,” the Louhajang River in Tangail has quickly reverted to its polluted state.

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Pollution of Louhajang river continues

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Pollution and encroachment continue unabated in Louhajang river as local authorities remain inactive. The 76-kilometre-long river, originating from the Dhaleswari in Boishnabbari and ending at the Banshi River in Jamurki, was once a navigable waterway. PHOTO: STAR

Within two months after being cleaned by 2,000 volunteers from "BD Clean," the Louhajang River in Tangail has quickly reverted to its polluted state.

Pollution and encroachment continue unabated in the river as local authorities remain inactive.

The 76-kilometre-long river, originating from the Dhaleswari in Boishnabbari and ending at the Bangshi River in Jamurki, was once a navigable waterway.

However, senior citizens say, in recent decades, it has turned into a dying canal due to siltation and the blockage of its water flow.

Waste from nearby households, markets, mills, and factories, discharged through drains and pipelines, has further worsened the river's condition. The stench of stagnant, polluted water, combined with accumulating rubbish, has become unbearable for those living along the riverbanks.

Locals say their repeated calls for action have gone unanswered.

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However, in recent decades, it has turned into a dying canal due to siltation and the blockage of its water flow. PHOTO: STAR

Ratan Siddiqui, general secretary of the District River Canal Water Bodies Protection Committee, said efforts to clean the river have been limited to only a one-kilometre stretch in town.

The remaining 75 kilometres of the waterbody continue to suffer from encroachment and pollution, as no one dares confront the powerful vested interests responsible for it, he added.

Meanwhile, Azad Khan Bhasani, president of Bhasani Parishad, said attempting to free the river from encroachment without restoring its original flow will be proven futile.

Ruhul Amin Sharif, assistant commissioner (land) in Sadar upazila, said reviving the river requires expert planning to address its silted source.

At a recent meeting organised by the environmental group 'Nongar,' civil society members criticised the exclusion of experienced environmental activists from new initiatives, claiming that local authorities are sidestepping real solutions.

Contacted, Tangail Deputy Commissioner Sharifa Haque said the administration will work with all stakeholders to resolve the issue.​

These are unfortunate realities. In national news in India, I heard that Delhi air pollution has crossed danger level.

 

[Saif]

These are unfortunate realities. In national news in India, I heard that Delfi air pollution has crossed danger level.

Bangladesh has banned plastic bags to protect the environment but nobody listens to it.

 

[Dogun18]

Bangladesh has banned plastic bags to protect the environment but nobody listens to it.

Don't Bangladeshis abide by their law? Or is this just the mentality of our South Asian people?

 

[Krishna with Flute]

Bangladesh has banned plastic bags to protect the environment but nobody listens to it.

When I travel to the jungle in Tribal area, I bless those tribal people for beautifully preserving those Jungles, rivers and local Flora and fauna. If I post some photos of those beautiful jungles, you will get mesmerized to see its beauty. I travel to those jungles atleast 6 to 7 days in rainy season and 4 to 5 days in other seasons.

 

[Saif]

Don't Bangladeshis abide by their law? Or is this just the mentality of our South Asian people?

There is no dearth of law breakers in Bangladesh. But this time the interim government has established a watch dog to force the law breakers to abide by law.

 

[Saif]

Climate Apartheid and Bangladesh

The World Risk Index 2023 has ranked Bangladesh ninth worldwide for climate disaster risk, stating it is set to lose 30 percent of its arable by 2050.

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Climate Apartheid and Bangladesh

It is estimated that 92 percent of the greenhouse gases were emitted from the Global North over the last two centuries. PHOTO COURTESY: FARZANA FARUK JHUMU

The incessant rain, flash floods, distraught environmental migrants, and land erosion that we have witnessed in Bangladesh in recent years is not unforeseen, but exactly what scientists predicted decades ago. It is not based on a 'hunch' and it is definitely not fear-mongering as many climate crisis deniers claim. It is equivalent to one's house being on fire while they carry on with their tasks with a blindfold on.

The World Risk Index 2023 has ranked Bangladesh ninth worldwide for climate disaster risk, stating it is set to lose 30 percent of its arable land by 2050 owing to rising sea levels. Rice, a staple in the Bangladeshi diet, will see a steep decrease in its production as well. On top of that, the country is predicted see a loss of 17 percent of its overall territory. As Bangladesh is highly reliant on agriculture and dangerously overpopulated, that will prove to be disastrous on several fronts with food insecurity as well as possibilities of famine close at hand. Unemployment, housing crisis, and poverty would also be widespread.

It is rueful to witness the disastrous effects of rising sea levels in Bangladesh although the country has contributed to less than 0.1 percent of the greenhouse gas emissions since its genesis in 1971. Known as the land of rivers, the melting of the Himalayan Glaciers is a looming threat to its river system overflowing and causing excessive flooding. The unpredictable nature of climate change necessitates a sturdy approach to its consequences, but the Bangladeshi government fails to construct any operational policies to tackle the climate crisis effectively.

While Bangladesh's own unstable political mood contributes to minimal attention paid to its policies regarding climate change, it also boils down to climate politics of the Global North. Although this is a global crisis and not a regional one, its record of blatant disregard for the disproportionate impact of climate change on the marginalised Global South warrants a discussion.

We can see the risks of flagrant climate apartheid in the making—the wealthy countries have the luxury to escape the heat, floods, droughts, and diseases caused by the climate crisis, all because they have the resources to do so, resources which they have shamelessly hoarded by exploiting the Global South through colonialism and imperialism. The best example is perhaps the Netherlands, a former colonial power and Bangladesh, a former colony. Owing to the rising sea levels and both countries lying in a delta, they face similar challenges, but one has the requisite infrastructure in place to tackle the crisis while the other utterly lacks it. Climate apartheid is prevalent within the borders of Bangladesh itself. Many have pointed out that the recent floods in Feni and Sherpur paint a stark picture of the different reactions to people's suffering. While the former region with a wealthy population received an outpour of support, the latter was largely overlooked as its population is not as wealthy.

From the abovementioned instances, we can conclude that the havoc the climate crisis will wreak will not be experienced equally. It will, however, definitely be experienced unfairly. The Industrial Revolution began in Europe and North America from the mid to late eighteenth century respectively, and resulted in most countries on these continents boasting the 'developed' status in the past few decades. It is estimated that 92 percent of the greenhouse gases were emitted from the Global North over the last two centuries. Despite it all, the blame of the climate crisis is dishonestly heaved on the 'developing' nations. Not only that, the West also continues to selfishly demand that developing nations restrain their industrialisation, even though it undoubtedly entails the slowing down of economic growth for those nations along with spikes in unemployment and poverty.

While there is no doubt that greenhouse gas emissions must be immediately reduced if not entirely halted, there is a need for constructive solutions in these developing nations. These solutions require funds which have been promised by the wealthy West but they have consistently failed to provide them. Instead of exporting the requisite technology and funds, they have been exporting reprimands to the Global South. On the same vein, those self-proclaimed environmentally conscious countries set up their air and river polluting factories there and add a 'responsibly sourced' tag to greenwash their products in the West. The hypocrisy of the West continues, but the reality is that the situation is rapidly deteriorating, and that warrants Bangladesh to act swiftly. Historically, the country has placed climate change at the very bottom of its concerns, but now it needs to be given the utmost priority.

The UN reports that due to the climate crisis, between the years 2030 and 2050, every year 250,000 people globally are estimated to be killed. Hence, it is a battle for existence for many communities, which indubitably makes it a human right concern.

Raina Sabanta is a barrister.​

 

[Saif]

Rally in Dhaka calls for action against lead pollution

Speakers at a public awareness rally in Dhaka city on Friday urged the government and policymakers to address lead pollution in Bangladesh. They called for the implementation of strict monitoring to ensure safe standards in consumer products, especially aluminum cookware, wall paint, and children&

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Rally in Dhaka calls for action against lead pollution
FE Online Report
Published :
Oct 25, 2024 19:51
Updated :
Oct 25, 2024 19:51

Speakers at a public awareness rally in Dhaka city on Friday urged the government and policymakers to address lead pollution in Bangladesh.

They called for the implementation of strict monitoring to ensure safe standards in consumer products, especially aluminum cookware, wall paint, and children’s toys. During the rally, speakers highlighted five key demands directed at government officials.

Additionally, they urged the establishment of safe and formal lead-acid battery recycling systems, as well as preventing unsafe battery factories from operating nationwide.

Organised by YouthNet Global and Pure Earth Bangladesh, supported by UNICEF, the rally coincided with the observance of “International Lead Pollution Prevention Week” from October 20 to 26.

Participants emphasised the need for monitoring systems to identify and clean lead-contaminated areas caused by illegal recycling practices.

They also stressed the importance of reviewing and updating existing laws and policies on lead pollution to ensure effective enforcement.

Despite Bangladesh ranking fourth globally in lead pollution, awareness remains alarmingly low.

Approximately 36 million children—about 60 per cent of the child population—suffer from elevated lead levels in their blood, leading to reduced intelligence, learning difficulties, and behavioral issues.

In adults, lead pollution is linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, resulting in around 140,000 deaths annually.

The economic losses from lead-related health issues are estimated to reach $28.6 billion each year, underscoring the urgency of collective action against this pervasive threat, they said.

Dr Mahfuzur Rahman, Country Director of Pure Earth Bangladesh, underscored the vital role of young people in this initiative.

Sohanur Rahman, Executive Coordinator of YouthNet Global, also called for acting immediately to address lead pollution.

A recent blood lead level study on 500 children in Dhaka city, conducted by icddr,b in 2022 revealed that all the 500 children whose blood samples were tested, were found to have lead in their blood.

A total of 80 per cent of the children had blood-lead level above 5 µg/dL, with an average blood-lead level of 7.6 mcg/dl and highest 36 µg/dL, whereas there is no safe limit of lead in a child’s body.

While sharing the impact of lead on children Md Musa Baker, Research Investigator, Environmental Health and WASH, icddr,b, said, “Lead damages brain of children below five, causing lifelong neurological, cognitive, and physical impairment to them. To build a meritocratic society, there is no alternative to eliminate lead exposure.”​

 

[Saif]

Fossil fuel main driver of climate change: Rizwana

Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan today said fossil fuel use is one of the main drivers of climate change

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Fossil fuel main driver of climate change: Rizwana

Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan today said fossil fuel use is one of the main drivers of climate change.

She emphasised the need to reduce its use, adapt development models, and work collectively to control pollution.

She made the remarks in a video message at the Press Institute of Bangladesh (PIB) seminar room during the mentoring program titled "Journalism in the Age of Energy Transition: COP-29 Coverage Strategies and Mentoring."

The event aimed to enhance the skills of journalists in print, electronic, and online media in preparation for coverage of the upcoming COP-29.

Rizwana Hasan further stated the importance of effectively covering climate conferences and using knowledge from training to support at-risk communities through actionable steps.

The event was chaired by PIB Director General Faruk Wasif and moderated by CAPS Chairman Professor Dr Ahmad Kamruzzaman Majumder.​