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

[Saif]

Choking on apathy and neglect

Urgent actions needed to tackle our air pollution crisis

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Choking on apathy and neglect
Urgent actions needed to tackle our air pollution crisis

VISUAL: STAR

It is disappointing that Bangladesh and the landlocked nation Chad have been ranked as the world's most polluted countries in 2024, with their average smog levels exceeding WHO guidelines by more than 15 times, according to Swiss air quality monitoring firm IQAir. It is little wonder, then, that air pollution causes 102,456 deaths in Bangladesh every year, as the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) recently estimated. Other studies over the years have painted a similarly grim picture. These findings should spur frantic efforts to reverse this trend. The question is, why don't they?

The CREA study highlighted that young children are particularly vulnerable, with 5,258 annual deaths from PM2.5-related lower respiratory infections. It estimated that controlling air pollution could prevent 5,254 child deaths each year and avert 29,920 deaths from heart disease, 23,075 from strokes, 20,976 from COPD, 9,720 from pneumonia, and 3,063 from lung cancer. Additionally, pollution-related illnesses lead to 669,000 emergency hospital visits annually and 263 million lost workdays, significantly harming the economy. Similarly, a World Bank report estimated air pollution caused between 78,145 and 88,229 deaths in Bangladesh in 2019. Another study found it shortens the average Bangladeshi's life expectancy by 6.8 years. Despite these staggering consequences, successive governments have taken minimal action. Vehicle pollution remains high, industrial and power plant emissions go largely unregulated, and construction activities and waste burning continue unchecked.

The persistently high pollution levels highlight not only a lack of ambition in policymaking but also a failure to enforce existing regulations. The absence of regular monitoring mechanisms to uphold air quality standards is another major shortcoming. In spite of these failures, the responsible authorities are never held accountable. This must change. Despite concerns caused by the recent US decision to end a programme that many countries relied on for air quality data, the government must take responsibility for developing its own robust air quality monitoring and improvement systems. Investing in its own air quality monitoring infrastructure would be a crucial first step.

Bangladesh also needs to adopt a multi-pronged approach to tackle the deteriorating air quality. Stricter enforcement of emission regulations for industries and vehicles is essential. Brick kilns and factories—both major polluters—must be required to use modern filtration systems, while large-scale afforestation and urban greening initiatives should be undertaken to help absorb pollutants. Construction activities should also be regulated with dust-control measures, and waste burning should be strictly prohibited. Ultimately, the government and other stakeholders must realise that without urgent, science-backed intervention, the country risks an even graver public health and economic crisis in the coming days.​

 

[Saif]

Sink-based solutions can ease Chattogram's waterlogging

Sustainable solutions is needed for Chattogram's waterlogging problem.

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Sink-based solutions can ease Chattogram's waterlogging

Between 1989 and 2011, approximately 15 percent of the exposed land in the Sholakbahar ward of the city was converted into various types of built-up areas, increasing the risk of waterlogging. FILE PHOTO: PALASH KHAN

Waterlogging in our port city in recent years has caused enormous suffering and economic loss. The government of Bangladesh has recently initiated efforts to find sustainable solutions to this problem. This hydro-climatic disaster occurs when the amount of source water exceeds what the sinks can accommodate. A better understanding of the sources and sinks of water will foster sustainable solutions to this issue.

Waterlogging primarily occurs during the monsoon season, characterised by heavy rainfall. A practical solution entails—(i) identifying the sinks and (ii) enhancing their capacity to ensure that the volume of water from the source does not surpass it. Furthermore, we must tackle the factors that diminish the capacity of sinks, such as landfilling, the removal of hills, and eutrophication, among others.

Inland water bodies

The most easily accessible water sink is the inland water bodies, which include ponds, lakes, canals, and drainage networks. To get a rapid solution to waterlogging, we must increase the water-retention capacity of these inland water bodies. Dredging is a proven method to enhance the volume of water that reservoirs can hold. Additionally, dredging boosts interactions between lake water and groundwater. However, it is vital to manage the dredged materials properly, as mismanagement can cause them to return to the water bodies shortly thereafter.

During heavy rainfall on certain days in the rainy season, a significant volume of water rapidly accumulates on the surface. This extra water necessitates enhanced drainage systems to keep the city free from flooding. Expanding and deepening the canals could increase their capacity to handle excess water. Furthermore, we could construct new lakes and drainage systems within the city, particularly in the areas most affected; this approach could significantly enhance the water retention capacity.

Alongside enhancing the capacity of the sinks, it is equally crucial to mitigate factors that restrict the volume of sinks—(i) landfilling in any form must cease immediately; (ii) hill-cutting should be halted as it generates a large volume of clastic sediment, much of it ends up at the bottom of inland water bodies; (iii) strict solid waste management must be enforced to prevent any forms of solid waste, such as non-degradable plastics and household materials, from entering the drainage system as solid waste can restrict flow velocity and reduce the water retention capacity of reservoirs; and (iv) chemical and bio-waste from domestic and industrial sources should be segregated and disposed of separately since inland water bodies gradually lose volume due to harmful algal blooms and eutrophication, exacerbated by increased nutrient levels from such waste.

The groundwater sink

Groundwater is a crucial destination for rainwater through the process of infiltration. Unfortunately, this aspect is often overlooked when planning to eliminate waterlogging. The reduction of open land restricts the infiltration process. Consequently, a substantial volume of water overflows that should ideally transfer into the groundwater; an increase in surface water heightens the likelihood of waterlogging. A research paper published by the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies at the University of Chittagong finds that between 1989 and 2011, approximately 15 percent of the exposed land in the Sholakbahar ward of the city was converted into various types of built-up areas. The situation is presumably similar in other wards of the city corporation. Reducing such a significant amount of open space presents a serious risk of waterlogging.

Increasing the amount of open space is a potential measure to ensure accelerated infiltration. Additionally, we could construct tiny artificial ponds throughout the city, designed with coarser rocks at the bottom, as fine-grained particles limit infiltration. The ponds need not be large; they could be situated along the streets in a manner that also contributes to the city's beautification. Furthermore, we can plan to establish recharge wells and soak pits to enhance infiltration into the groundwater.

Impermeable streets also impede groundwater recharge. Permeable city roads can be constructed to facilitate the percolation of more water from the lane into the ground.

By implementing the aforementioned sink-based solutions, the city's waterlogging problems can be eased. In addition to tackling waterlogging, these measures will enhance functional hydrology and foster a clean aquatic environment that aligns with biodiversity.

Mohib Billah is doctoral researcher in the Department of Geography and Geology at the University of Turku in Finland.​

 

[Saif]

Over 600 trees felled at Dinjapur’s Karai Beel; case filed

A case has been filed following the felling of over 600 fruit-bearing and timber trees at Karai Beel, a once-thriving natural sanctuary renowned for its biodiversity and scenic beauty, in Dinajpur’s Biral upazila

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Over 600 trees felled at Dinjapur’s Karai Beel; case filed

Photo: Kongkon Karmaker

A case has been filed following the felling of over 600 fruit-bearing and timber trees at Karai Beel, a once-thriving natural sanctuary renowned for its biodiversity and scenic beauty, in Dinajpur's Biral upazila.

The beel is situated alongside Ramsagar and Sukhsagar, two of Dinajpur's largest manmade waterbodies. Karai Beel has long been a vital ecological and agricultural resource.

The large-scale tree felling, allegedly carried out by leaders of the Biral Muktijoddha Poultry and Livestock Cooperative Society, has raised serious concerns among local residents and environmental activists.

Yesterday, locals seized the felled trees and filed a case against two named individuals and 10-12 unidentified persons for illegal logging.

According to the First Information Report, the primary suspects in the case are Aibur Rahman 68, of Biral upazila and Jobaidur Rahman 55, a timber trader from West Ramnagar Gobrapara under Dinajpur Sadar upazila and the district president of Matsyajibi Dal.

Photo: Kongkon Karmaker

Karai Beel spans 56.10 acres in Shankarpur Mouza and is classified as state property.

On Monday afternoon, the accused, along with several others, were seen cutting trees around the beel and transporting them using tractors.

Receiving information, the union land official rushed to the scene and seized the felled trees.

However, one tractor carrying 55 mango trees had already been moved elsewhere.

Authorities managed to confiscate an additional 170 mango trees, two jackfruit trees, and 1,489 cubic feet of firewood before further transportation.

Forest officials confirmed that the logging was done without obtaining prior authorisation.

"As per regulations, any tree felling must be reported to the local Forest Department. However, we were not informed about the cutting of Karai Beel's trees," said Mohsin Ali, beat officer of the Forest Department.

Following notification from the upazila administration, forest officials seized the logs and transported them to the local police station for further investigation.

Jobaidur Rahman, one of the accused, claimed to have legally purchased the trees through a tender process for Tk 4.1 lakh, with the amount deposited in Sonali Bank.

He asserted that cooperative leaders assured him they would settle the issue with the administration.

The Biral Muktijoddha Poultry and Livestock Cooperative Society was originally formed in 1974 by local freedom fighters, who leased Karai Beel from the government for fish farming. In 1977, the then president, Ziaur Rahman, allocated funds for digging a pond as part of a canal excavation programme, leading to the establishment of a tree plantation around the embankment.

Although society members later obtained ownership of the pond, the administration revoked their lease years later, leading to an ongoing land dispute in court, according to well placed sources of the government and cooperative body.

At a press conference today, Mokhsed Ali Mongolia, acting president of the cooperative and a BNP leader, denied any wrongdoing.

"The trees were not stolen but sold with the approval of the cooperative's general assembly," he said.

He further explained that after the July and August political unrest, the pond became vulnerable to looting, and the trees were no longer yielding fruit.

"We decided to cut them down and convert the area into a litchi orchard," he said.

Biral Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Ishtiaq Ahmed, who is overseeing the investigation, confirmed that legal action has been taken due to violations in axing over 600 trees under public property laws.

The cooperative leaders have failed to provide a valid explanation against the tree axing, added the UNO.​

 

[Saif]

Gorer Khal on its deathbed

Yet another example of a poorly executed project

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Gorer Khal on its deathbed
Yet another example of a poorly executed project

It is appalling to witness our rivers, canals, and such water bodies die one after another due to encroachment, pollution, and mindless development. One such canal is Gorer Khal at the Baniachong upazila in Habiganj. According to a report, the 19.2-kilometre-long canal was once a lifeline for the region's agriculture, communication, and flood management. But it is now on the verge of death due to illegal encroachment, pollution, and siltation. The Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) took up a project at a cost of Tk 7.16 crore in FY 2022-23 to excavate and revive it but failed to do so. What, then, was the point of taking up such a project?

Clearly, the project was not properly planned or executed. Reportedly, while the project was underway, the authorities focused on digging the canal's branches instead of excavating its main body. Moreover, the excavation was allegedly conducted without proper land measurement or clearing encroachments. Additionally, the soil dug from the canal was piled up along its banks, which washed back into it during the monsoon. And although a total of 4,000 trees were supposed to be planted along the banks, this was not done either. All this explains why, around a year and a half into the work, the project has failed to bring any positive results.

Local residents also alleged corruption and misappropriation of funds by those who implemented it. Although the canal's situation has not improved at all, the project authorities have claimed that they did as far as they could, which shows their inefficiency and lack of sincerity. Unfortunately, the situation of Gorer Khal and the excavation project undertaken by the BWDB is not unique. Hundreds of such ill-executed projects can be found across the country. For instance, only the other day, a report published in this daily revealed how bridges built over the canals of Barguna were collapsing due to the use of poor-quality materials.

Corruption in development projects, whether large or small, was a recurring issue during the previous Awami League regime. This must come to an end. We urge the government to hold those responsible for such poorly planned projects accountable and reclaim canals like Gorer Khal to restore the vital lifelines of rural Bangladesh.​

 

[Saif]

Wasa pipeline chokes Bhairab

The 20km part of Bhairab River, stretching from Khulna to Bagerhat, is shrinking into a stagnant canal due to a massive pipeline installed by the Khulna Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (Wasa).

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Wasa pipeline chokes Bhairab

Rivers are the lifelines of Bangladesh, shaping its geography, economy, and culture. However, unchecked encroachment, pollution, and water withdrawal from upstream have left many rivers struggling to survive. Once-mighty rivers like the Padma, Bhairab, and countless others are drying up, forming vast shoals, disrupting agriculture, and forcing fishermen to abandon their livelihoods. The worsening crisis demands urgent attention and action. On this International Day of Action for Rivers, let's have a look at two of our rivers, which once used to flow gloriously, but are now being choked to death due to a lack of sustainable management, dredging, and pollution control.

The 20km part of Bhairab River, stretching from Khulna to Bagerhat, is shrinking into a stagnant canal due to a massive pipeline installed by the Khulna Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (Wasa).

The 56-inch-diameter pipeline, laid without an adequate environmental assessment, has severely disrupted the river's natural flow, causing heavy siltation and making navigation nearly impossible for boats and trawlers.

To protect the pipeline, Wasa later erected five- to six-foot-high iron structures, further worsening the situation.

These barriers obstruct boat movement, forcing fishermen and transporters to wait for high tide to cross. During low tide, the pipeline remains exposed, creating an impassable obstruction.

"Almost every day, I have to wait an extra six to seven hours for the tide to rise just to cross the pipeline," said Sabur Rana, a fisherman from Naihati village, Rupsha. "Khulna Wasa did this without thinking of our plight. We urge the authorities to resolve it immediately."

Mohammad Ali, a 75-year-old tea stall owner near the Mulghar Bridge, said, "This river, once 300 feet wide, has narrowed to just 20-25 feet over the years. The pipeline has made things worse."

The once-mighty Bhairab, vital for trade and transportation, is now struggling to survive. Businesses relying on river transport face immense hardship, with goods-laden boats frequently getting stuck.

In 2019, Water Development Board (WDB) undertook a Tk 24.23 crore excavation project to improve the river's water flow, dredging 17.5km of the river from Daratana in Bagerhat to Atharobaki in Khulna.

However, the benefits of this effort have been undone by the pipeline's installation.

Md Humayun Kabir, WDB sub-assistant engineer, said, "We opposed the pipeline installation. When the river flow was obstructed post-excavation, we warned them again. Instead of resolving the issue, they made things worse by erecting an iron cage."

Environmentalists say Bhairab's condition reflects the larger crisis facing Khulna's rivers.

Mahfuzur Rahman Mukul, divisional coordinator of the Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association (BELA), said, "Around 50 rivers in this region are under threat. A responsible government institution should protect them. The pipeline must be removed or relocated immediately."

WDB has repeatedly urged Wasa to relocate the pipeline, with even the deputy commissioner of Bagerhat writing to higher authorities, including the cabinet secretary, five times. Yet, no concrete action has been taken.

Khan Salim Ahmed, superintending engineer of Khulna Wasa, said steps are being taken to relocate the pipeline. "The estimation is complete, and a contractor has been appointed. We are working on laying the pipe deeper underground for a sustainable solution," he said.

However, locals remain skeptical, fearing that bureaucratic delays will further endanger the Bhairab's survival.​

 

[Saif]

37 rivers in Khulna division at risk: speakers

Relentless encroachment and pollution have placed 37 rivers in Khulna division in critical condition, warned speakers at an International Day of Action for Rivers event in Mongla yesterday

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37 rivers in Khulna division at risk: speakers

Photo: Partha Chakrabortty/Star

Relentless encroachment and pollution have placed 37 rivers in Khulna division in critical condition, warned speakers at an International Day of Action for Rivers event in Mongla yesterday.

They also mentioned that out of the 138 rivers in the division, 21 have completely lost their flow, while seven are only partially active.

The alarming situation was highlighted during a river inspection and protest programme at the confluence of the Mongla and Pashur rivers, organised by "Dharitri Rokkay Amra" (We for Earth), "Sundarban Rokkay Amra" (We for Sundarbans), and Pashur River Waterkeeper, under the slogan "Our Rivers, Our Future".

At the programme, Mongla Technical and Business Management College Principal Md Selim said, "Rivers are an integral part of our heritage and culture. The vast network of the Ganges, Brahmaputra, Meghna, Padma, Jamuna, Pashur, Rupsha, Surma, and Teesta forms the lifeline of Bangladesh. However, climate change, upstream water withdrawal, pollution, encroachment, unplanned development, and administrative negligence have pushed these rivers to the brink of extinction."

Women's rights activist Kamala Sarker expressed concerns over the environmental hazards caused by the Rampal Power Plant.

She said, "Pollution from the Rampal Power Plant has led to the presence of toxic substances in fish from the Sundarbans' rivers, posing a serious threat to human health. It is high time we shut down this environmentally destructive project".

Meanwhile, environmental activist Mostafizur Rahman Milon, lyricist Mollah Al Mamun, and river activists Idris Imon and Hasib Sardar addressed the gathering, urging immediate action to protect the country's rivers. Volunteer members of the Pashur River Waterkeeper, including Dollar Mollah and Mehedi Hasan, actively participated in the discussions.

Mohammad Noor Alam Sheikh, coordinator of 'Sundarban Rokkay Amra' and Pashur River Waterkeeper, warned that industrial, plastic, and agricultural waste are exacerbating river pollution.

He also said, "Climate change is another major threat to our rivers. Rising sea levels and increased salinity are making the water in coastal rivers unfit for use, aggravating both agricultural challenges and the drinking water crisis".

He further highlighted the impact of reduced Ganges water flow and climate change on the Sundarbans by adding, "The rising salinity levels in the Sundarbans' rivers are accelerating the destruction of the mangrove forest, putting its unique ecosystem at serious risk."

Speakers at the event unanimously urged the authorities to take immediate action to protect the country's rivers from further destruction. They warned that without urgent intervention, Bangladesh's rivers, which are vital for biodiversity, livelihoods, and agriculture will continue to degrade, posing a serious threat to both people and nature.​

 

[Saif]

Judicial activism in protection of environment

JUDICIAL activism in environmental protection goes beyond the mere enforcement of the statutory provision of the environment laws and embraces restitutionary as well as injunctive relief. Bangladesh, like many other...

www.newagebd.net

Judicial activism in protection of environment
by Kanak Kanti Karmakar and Pritom Kanti Karmakar 15 March, 2025, 00:00

New Age

JUDICIAL activism in environmental protection goes beyond the mere enforcement of the statutory provision of the environment laws and embraces restitutionary as well as injunctive relief. Bangladesh, like many other developing countries, is facing multitude of environmental problems such as air pollution, hazardous wastes, land degradation, water pollution, etc. But the current regulatory arrangements and institutional frameworks for enforcement are both inadequate and ill-equipped to resolve the burgeoning environmental problems in Bangladesh.

Public interest environmental litigation has been developed in Bangladesh through judicial activism to establish collective rights of people. Through the process, the High Court has applied its its jurisdiction under Article 102 of the constitution to safeguard citizens’ environmental rights. In addition to that, the judicial redress mostly relies on the human rights arguments based on constitutional provisions related to the right to life (Article 31 and 32), the writ jurisdiction of the courts (Article 44 and 102) and the statutory obligations of public agencies.

In Bangladesh, public interest environmental litigation has been initiated by non-governmental organisations rather than individuals. The Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers’ Association has played a pioneer role in introducing public interest litigation in general and has filed numerous writs for the protection of environment, in other words public interest environmental litigation, in particular. The Human Rights and Peace for Bangladesh is another non-governmental organisation which has initiated a substantial number of public interest litigation writ petitions for the protection of environment.

The judiciary allowed public interest environmental litigation for the first time in the case of Dr Mohiuddin Farooque versus Bangladesh and others. In the case, the judiciary paved the way for public interest lawsuits by broadly defining the phrases ‘person aggrieved’ to include anybody who, while not directly impacted, has a sufficient interest in the subject matter. The petition challenged the constitutionality of Tangail’s experimental flood action plan scheme. After the court decision, the government revised the project, abandoning the original proposal and implementing an environmental impact assessment plan in consultation with local residents.

There was no constitutional provision for environmental protection before the 15th amendment, which included Article 18A.

Thus, Dr Mohiuddin Farooque v Bangladesh (1996) was the first legal acknowledgement of environmental protection. During the 1996 general election campaign, a petition was filed to challenge the nuisance and sound population. The court ordered the attorney general to take the necessary action to avoid damage to public and private property during election campaigns.

In another case of Dr Mohiuddin Farooque versus Bangladesh and others, the right to environment was expressly recognised as being included in the right to life. Dr Farooque filed this petition as a potential consumer seeking redress for the failure of the authorities to take effective and efficacious measures in dealing with the consignment of 125 tonnes of skimmed milk powder imported by Bangladesh and found by the Atomic Energy Commission to contain a high concentration of radioactivity.

The judgement addressed several critical concerns for the first time. While the authorities were directed to adopt necessary measures to ensure a proper testing of milk, the scope of constitutional right to life was given a broader meaning. The right to the environment was clearly recognised as part of the right to life. The court held that ‘Right to life is not only limited to the protection of life and limbs but extends to the protection of health and strength of the workers, their means of livelihood, enjoyment of pollution-free water and air, bare necessaries of life, facilities for education, development of children, maternity benefit, free movement, maintenance and improvement of public health by creating and sustaining conditions congenial to good health and ensuring quality of life consistent with human dignity.’

The judicial activism through public interest litigation has also helped to protect rivers from being encroached on. In the case of Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers’ Association versus Bangladesh and others (2000), judicial intervention was sought to protect the only river flowing through Dhaka from being illegally encroached on.

In some public interest environmental litigation cases, the judiciary invoked the international environmental law to protect environment and directed the government to adopt legislative and administrative measures under environment treaties which Bangladesh ratified. In the case of the Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers’ Association versus Bangladesh and others (2003), the association filed a petition to challenge the operation of ship-breaking yards in Chattogram. It claimed that the yards were operating without environmental approvals, causing major environmental deterioration and posing serious health hazards to workers and local populations. The court observed that Bangladesh, being a signatory to the Basel Convention, is obliged to follow the norms laid down in that convention.

In another writ petition by the Human Rights and Peace for Bangladesh versus the government of Bangladesh (2009), the High Court ordered relevant authorities to stop the pollution of the water of the River Buriganga with effective measures and to take steps to seal all the sewerage lines linked with the river.

It is clear that the activism of the higher judiciary has played a pivotal role in the protection of environment and developing environmental jurisprudence. Despite the enormous success of public interest environmental litigation, the judiciary is yet to recognise the principles such as the polluters-pay principle, precautionary principle, sustainable development, absolute liability which have been recognised by the judiciary of other countries.

Unfortunately, in the judicial system of Bangladesh, there are a very few instances of environmental matters where suo moto intervention has been applied. In most public interest environmental litigation, the principal reliefs are interim orders which are declaratory rather than compensatory. Therefore, the authorities concerned should incorporate the principles to protect the environment more effectively.

Kanak Kanti Karmakar is a lecturer in law and justice in the North East University Bangladesh, Sylhet; and Pritom Kanti Karmakar is a student of law in Stamford University Bangladesh, Dhaka.​

 

[Saif]

Granting rivers legal status can redefine our relationship with nature

When a river becomes a legal subject, it can challenge harmful development, pollution, and degradation—forcing humans to respect its interests.

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Granting rivers legal status can redefine our relationship with nature
What happens when we start treating rivers as legal subjects—when we grant them rights and powers of their own?

The rights of nature have gained momentum over the past two decades, particularly concerning rivers. FILE PHOTO: STAR
Across the world, several rivers have been given legal personhood or recognised as living entities. These rivers are often highly polluted or degraded, yet they remain deeply cherished by the communities that depend on and revere them. Even when a river is sick, we can all take steps to restore it and rebuild a meaningful relationship with it.

This prompts a critical question: can law act as a mechanism of repair to restore our broken relationship with rivers, especially under the framework of "rights of nature?"

Traditionally, water law has treated rivers as mere resources—objects over which humans exercise dominion. Recognising rivers as living or legal entities profoundly challenges this notion. It asserts that rivers are far more than resources; they are beings with intrinsic value. Even before practical enforcement, the symbolic significance of acknowledging the "rights of nature" forces us to reconsider our fundamental relationship with water.

The rights of nature have gained momentum over the past two decades, particularly concerning rivers. However, legal recognition of rivers varies, creating differing scopes of rights, duties, and protections.

Legal person or subject of rights

The concept of a legal person treats an entity as capable of bearing rights and duties—similar to a corporation. This allows rivers to sue, be sued, and possess certain legal protections. For instance, Colombia's Atrato River was recognised by the Constitutional Court as a legal subject, endowed with specific rights to protection, conservation, and restoration. Notably, it was not granted the right to own property or water rights—its rights were confined to what the court explicitly outlined.

Living person

In India, some rivers—such as the Ganga and Yamuna—were recognised as "living persons." This is a legally creative but also complicated concept, as the law typically reserves "personhood" for human beings. Recognising a river as a living person raises perplexing questions: if it is now "dead" due to pollution, is someone criminally liable? Indeed, in the Yamuna's case, a police report was filed for its "homicide." But such recognition blurs boundaries: can a river commit crimes? Does it enjoy human rights? These ambiguities highlight the tension within the legal system when adapting such novel frameworks.

Living entity

The notion of a living entity is more symbolic and carries less legal power. It acknowledges the river as a holistic, living system and challenges exploitative notions of water as a mere resource. However, it does not grant practical rights, such as the ability to litigate or hold property. Despite its legal weakness, this recognition can be transformative in reshaping public and governmental attitudes towards rivers.

The problem of missing water rights

A glaring issue emerges when examining rivers granted legal status: none have been awarded water rights. Even where courts recognise a river's personhood, such as in Colombia, water rights remain absent. Rivers remain disconnected from the legal mechanisms that control access to water, leaving their survival contingent upon human decision-making rather than inherent entitlements.

This gap highlights a profound flaw. Without access to their own water flows, rivers cannot be meaningfully protected. Water rights are essential to ensuring that a river's ecological needs are respected.

In the era of the climate crisis—what many call the Anthropocene—humanity faces environmental challenges on a scale previously unknown. Countries like Bangladesh and India are already suffering the effects of rising temperatures and water crises. In this context, rights of nature, including river personhood, are emerging as radical tools for environmental protection.

Yet, resistance persists. The entrenched disconnect between traditional water law and the idea of rivers as rights holders reflects a broader hesitation to overhaul outdated legal frameworks.

When a river becomes a legal subject, it can challenge harmful development, pollution, and degradation—forcing humans to respect its interests. But this can inadvertently reinforce an adversarial relationship, positioning humans and rivers as competing claimants in courtrooms.

Conversely, recognising a river as a living entity, though legally weak, encourages an ethic of relationality and care. It invites us to view rivers not as objects of use but as partners in a shared ecosystem. This shift moves beyond transactional, extractive models of water governance and fosters reciprocal relationships, where human and river well-being are intertwined.

What can we give to the river?

Historically, society's relationship with rivers has centred on "what can we take?"—focusing on the services rivers provide: water, transport, fish, and hydropower. Even now, this extractive narrative dominates.

However, recognising rivers as living entities introduces new narratives: "what do we want for the river?" and "how do we walk with the river to achieve that vision?" These are profound shifts in perspective. They suggest that rivers should have a voice—represented by guardians, community leaders, or river commissions—and that we must listen to and act on that voice.

In this model, rivers become partners rather than adversaries. Communities engage in collective stewardship, imagining futures where rivers thrive alongside human populations. This is a transformative step towards sustainable coexistence, particularly crucial as climate change accelerates ecological crises.

To ensure that the new legal status of rivers translates into real protection, two critical gaps must be bridged: First, aligning water law with river rights—so that rivers gain the water flows necessary to sustain their ecosystems. Second, shifting societal narratives—from extractive relationships to reciprocal, caring engagements with rivers.

Ultimately, legal personhood or entity status should not simply be symbolic. It should lead to concrete protections, guaranteed water rights, and restored ecological health—allowing rivers to flourish as living beings with whom we share our world.

Mohammad Azaz is researcher and administrator at Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC).​