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

[Saif]

Excavations fail to revive Mayur river

Mayur river, a major lifeline in Khulna that has long been plagued by encroachments and pollution, still remains on the brink of death despite two excavation projects to revive it over the past decade.

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Excavations fail to revive Mayur river
Encroachment, waste dumping continue unabated

Mayur river, a major lifeline in Khulna that has long been plagued by encroachments and pollution, still remains on the brink of death despite two excavation projects to revive it over the past decade.

In 2014, the Khulna City Corporation undertook the first excavation project, spending Tk 5.78 crore to dredge 5.9- kilometre stretch of the river. A second initiative began in December 2023 with a Tk 7.59 crore allocation, which is nearing completion.

Yet, the 12-kilometre-long river still remains just a little more than a drain with pitch black water filled with silt and water hyacinths, as the excavation efforts fell short due to a lack of coordination, poor planning, and failure to enforce anti-encroachment laws.

The Mayur river, which flows through key areas of Khulna city including Alutola, Nirala, Gallamary, Boyra, Dayana, Arongghata, and Beel Dakatia before joining the Rupsha river, served as a robust freshwater source and natural drainage system for the city, playing a vital role in reducing waterlogging, supporting biodiversity, and providing water for nearly one lakh residents.

Experts opined that without a coordinated effort from the administration, environmentalists, and local communities, reviving Mayur river may remain an unattainable goal.

Visiting Trimohana area recently, the river was seen occupied by a makeshift bamboo dam, with sand being dumped at several points. Near Mahatab Uddin Road, a bamboo fencing was seen erected on the river.

Meanwhile, 26 drains within the KCC areas continue to discharge untreated waste water directly into the river, further exacerbating its woes.

Obidur Rahman, a resident of Rayer Mahal, said, "We cannot use the river's water for irrigation any more as it is too polluted."

Mahfuzur Rahman Mukul, divisional coordinator of Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association, said, "Without strict enforcement of law against encroachers, proper waste management, and continuous monitoring, Mayur may soon become a dead river."

Contacted, KCC chief engineer Moshiuzzaman Khan said the river's dredging work is almost complete.

He, however, said monitoring remains a significant challenge.

"We often get informed about attempts to construct structures within the river or instances of pollution from different sources, and we take action and carry out eviction drives as necessary. However, due to a manpower shortage, we are unable to monitor regularly, which remains a challenge," he added.​

 

[Saif]

River excavation must be done right

The plight of Mayur River shows where the problem lies

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River excavation must be done right
The plight of Mayur River shows where the problem lies

VISUAL: STAR

The deterioration of Mayur River, once a lifeline for Khulna residents, has happened right in front of our eyes, as has the repeated failure to revive it. Over the years, we have published a number of reports on how it is being choked by encroachments of all sorts, unregulated fish farming, ill-advised dams, and unchecked pollution, with about 26 drains pouring most of Khulna city's waste into it. Against this backdrop, the excavation projects were meant to breathe new life into the river. But instead, they have further contributed to its decline.

According to a recent report by this daily, two excavation projects taken up by the city corporation—one in 2014 and another in 2023—have failed to deliver any meaningful improvement. During a recent visit by our Khulna correspondent, the river was seen occupied by a makeshift bamboo dam, with sand being dumped at several points. Meanwhile, old problems persist as the river remains choked with silt, hyacinths, and waste, with no visible improvement in its water flow or quality. This raises serious questions about the planning and execution of such projects.

Over the years, failed or harmful excavation efforts have been reported across the country. Unfortunately, despite river dredging being routine work, the relevant authorities often do it wrong, and in isolation, without linking it up with other interventions—such as eviction, de-cluttering, and stopping other harmful and invasive activities on rivers—necessary to make its impact lasting. In Khulna alone, such cases abound.

Over the years, failed or harmful excavation efforts have been reported across the country. Unfortunately, despite river dredging being routine work, the relevant authorities often do it wrong, and in isolation, without linking it up with other interventions—such as eviction, de-cluttering, and stopping other harmful and invasive activities on rivers—necessary to make its impact lasting. In Khulna alone, such cases abound. For example, in 2022, we reported an initiative by the Mongla port authorities to dump the debris excavated from Pashur River on vast swathes of farmland, threatening soil fertility and the livelihoods of thousands. That same year, we also wrote about the Bhadra River, which, despite being excavated only two years ago, silted up again as dug-up earth fell back into it. This has been more or less the running theme of our dredging or de-siltation initiatives, with excavated debris invariably making it back to the river.

The irony here is inescapable. River excavation is supposed to solve problems like navigability, pollution, and waterlogging. Instead, it is causing them anew, or creating new ones. If we truly want to revive our dying rivers, dredging must be treated as a means, not the goal. Excavation should be preceded by proper ecological assessments, involve local communities, and include clear plans for water sourcing, encroachment removal, pollution control, and maintenance. And the relevant authorities must coordinate better and be held accountable. Otherwise, we risk repeating the same failure until our rivers are beyond saving. The Mayur River stands as a grim reminder of what such failure looks like.​

 

[Saif]

No new industrial units within 10km of Sundarbans ECA

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change will soon issue a gazette notification in this regard, officials said today

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No new industrial units within 10km of Sundarbans ECA

Photo: Courtesy/UNB

The government has decided to prohibit any new industrial unit and project from being established within 10 kilometres of the Ecologically Critical Area (ECA) surrounding the Sundarbans.

The decision was taken at a meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Environment and Climate Change Committee at the Secretariat with Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan in the chair yesterday.

The ministry will soon issue a gazette notification in this regard, officials said.

A panel of experts will assess the environmental impact of existing industrial units within 10km of the ECA. Based on these assessments and existing court orders, further decisions will be made regarding those establishments.

The meeting also approved amendments to the Climate Change Trust Rules allowing joint project proposals from government, private organisations, and NGOs.

It was also decided that all ministries will be consulted to formulate the next action plan to tackle noise pollution.

Besides, a target was set to ensure that at least 30 percent of bricks used in public and private construction are concrete blocks by 2025.

A coordination meeting at the secretary level will be held in May to follow up on the implementation.​

 

[Saif]

Reclaiming Cox's Bazar forests

The government's decision to return 12,000 acres of forestland in Cox's Bazar to the Forest Department reversing previous allocations to various agencies offers a reason for optimism. The fact that such a vast expanse of forestland from Bangladesh's already limited forest cover was handed over to d

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Reclaiming Cox's Bazar forests
FE
Published :
Apr 26, 2025 22:59
Updated :
Apr 26, 2025 22:59

The government's decision to return 12,000 acres of forestland in Cox's Bazar to the Forest Department reversing previous allocations to various agencies offers a reason for optimism. The fact that such a vast expanse of forestland from Bangladesh's already limited forest cover was handed over to different entities with official approval exposes how little environmental preservation was a priority for past governments. While much more remains to be done to safeguard the forests of Cox's Bazar, this current move indicates a shift in attitude and a growing political willingness to correct past wrongs.

A recent report published in this paper quoted environment adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan as saying that 700 acres of illegally occupied forestland in Cox's Bazar have already been recovered, which suggests a strong start for the anti-deforestation campaign. The adviser also noted that construction on 150 acres of forestland illegally occupied by an individual has been stopped and 20 acres allocated to a football academy are being reclaimed. There is also ongoing initiative to return land on Sonadia Island that had been allocated to the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA). These specific developments, while encouraging, also brought to light the troubling reality that many of the encroachments and forest clearings were carried out by government departments and agencies themselves. Entities meant to serve the public interest and protect national assets have, ironically, emerged as primary drivers of forest destruction. Cox's Bazar which is home to the critically endangered Asian elephant and numerous other species including deer, wild pigs and monkeys has lost a quarter of its forest cover due to these encroachments. The reckless destruction of these habitats in the name of infrastructure and departmental expansion is a textbook example of development being pursued at the cost of ecological survival.

The crisis of forest encroachment extends well beyond Cox's Bazar. Forests are shrinking from the Sundarbans to the Chattogram Hill Tracts due to a confluence of factors including illegal logging, agricultural expansion and uncontrolled industrial activity. Even the iconic Sundarbans, a UNESCO World Heritage site, has witnessed an alarming drop in tree numbers over the years. Rampant extraction of resources is pushing the Sundarbans towards irreversible ecological decline. Forests, especially those along the coast, have historically served as natural barriers against extreme weather events in addition to their critical function in preserving ecological balance. It is hard to comprehend how any logic of development could justify the removal of such critical protections.

Past attempts to reclaim forestland through eviction drives have frequently been undermined by powerful land grabbers who secured status quo orders from the courts. To avoid a recurrence of such setbacks, the government must act with full transparency and resolve. One crucial step would be the public release of a comprehensive and easily accessible list of individuals and institutions responsible for illegal forest occupation, an action that could serve as a strong deterrent. Furthermore, a zero-tolerance policy must be enforced to ensure that not a single inch of forest land is encroached upon going forward. The environment adviser's commitment to returning the 12,000 acres of forestland in Cox's Bazar to the Forest Department must also be fulfilled without further delay. Once recovered, the land should be swiftly reforested to help restore ecological balance. At the same time, legal and administrative action must be taken against those who have benefitted from forest plunder, those who shielded them, and those whose negligence or wilfulinaction enabled this abuse.​

 

[Saif]

Govt suspends lease of 17 stone quarries over environmental concerns

Taking into consideration environmental factors, the government has decided to suspend the leasing process of 17 out of 51 stone quarries in the country. The decision came from a meeting at the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources with Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan in the chair. Adviser Sy

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Govt suspends lease of 17 stone quarries over environmental concerns
FE Online Report
Published :
Apr 27, 2025 19:22
Updated :
Apr 27, 2025 19:31

Taking into consideration environmental factors, the government has decided to suspend the leasing process of 17 out of 51 stone quarries in the country.

The decision came from a meeting at the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources with Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan in the chair. Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan, from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change; and Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, from the Ministries of Home Affairs and Agriculture, were also present.

As per what the government decided, no leases will be granted for quarries that are under court injunctions or located within declared Ecologically Critical Areas (ECAs), according to the environment ministry.

Moreover, to preserve the natural beauty, leasing activities in the Bhulagonj, Utmachaora, Ratanpur, Bichanakandi and Lovachora stone quarries of Sylhet district will also remain suspended, it said.

Before granting leases for other quarries, obtaining an Environmental Clearance Certificate from the Department of Environment will be mandatory, the environment ministry noted.

Local administrations have been directed to take legal action against the actual responsible persons involved in illegal stone extraction, rather than targeting the workers. Besides, illegally extracted stones must not be sold; instead, they will be supplied for government construction works through customs, it added.

Adviser Rizwana emphasised that such steps would protect the environment and public interest, ensuring the lawful use of natural resources like sand and stones. Supplying illegally extracted stones through customs for government use would also help curb illegal extraction.

She also mentioned that overcoming previous limitations, the Department of Environment is now better prepared to take appropriate measures to protect the environment and ecosystems.

Earlier in February 2020, the Energy and Mineral Resources Division of the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources suspended stone extraction from all stone quarries until further notice.

Later, in January 2025, a decision was made to lift the suspension, which raised concerns from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. Consequently, Sunday’s meeting resulted in these new decisions.​

 

[Saif]

Insurance for coastal communities

Growing natural disaster risks driven by climate change continue to pose serious threats to the lives, livelihoods, and properties of Bangladesh's coastal communities. For these vulnerable people, life is a constant struggle against natural calamities such as cyclones, storm surges, rising sea leve

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Insurance for coastal communities
Published :
Apr 27, 2025 23:23
Updated :
Apr 27, 2025 23:23

Growing natural disaster risks driven by climate change continue to pose serious threats to the lives, livelihoods, and properties of Bangladesh's coastal communities. For these vulnerable people, life is a constant struggle against natural calamities such as cyclones, storm surges, rising sea levels and floods. After each disaster, they rebuild their homes - often constructed from bamboo, mud, and corrugated tin - only to see them destroyed again by the next onslaught. In the context of this relentless cycle of destruction and rebuilding, a recent roundtable discussion---one that was supported by CARE Bangladesh and AOSED ---held in Khulna, rightly emphasised the urgent need for integrating climate finance and establishing robust insurance mechanisms, specifically tailored to protect these frontline communities.

Disaster insurance could play a critical role in cushioning the losses coastal communities face, safeguarding their homes, crops, and livelihoods. Yet, in a country where general insurance coverage remains limited, introducing disaster insurance might seem like an outlandish idea. The primary barrier is cost - especially in coastal regions where widespread poverty allows few to qualify for even basic insurance. Ironically, it is precisely those who are the least able to afford coverage need it the most, as they often lack the savings necessary for recovery.

Recognising this, speakers at the Khulna seminar proposed that the financial burden of disaster insurance should not fall on the already struggling communities, but instead, be borne by the world's major climate-polluting nations. They advocated for the government to take the lead in formulating a climate-specific insurance policy for poor, vulnerable populations, with funding sourced from international grants, including the Loss and Damage Fund, the Green Climate Fund, and the Adaptation Fund. Such a grant-based insurance scheme could fully or partially cover insurance premiums, providing coastal communities with a critical safety net against financial ruin in the aftermath of disasters.

There is an urgent need to invest in improved homes and disaster-resilient infrastructure to reduce long-term vulnerability. Bangladesh could draw lessons from India's experience in Odisha, a cyclone-prone state where millions kutcha houses made of mud and thatch have been replaced with of pucca houses under a massive government-sponsored housing project. These stronger houses have not only reduced damage but also saved countless lives during severe storms. In contrast, many coastal residents in Bangladesh remain trapped in a vicious cycle of damage and repair, rebuilding fragile homes after each disaster. It is time to promote disaster-resilient buildings in coastal areas by incentivising risk reduction. At present, the meagre compensation that affected communities receive is barely enough to patch up their damaged homes. If coastal residents were supported in constructing disaster-resilient houses, they would be far better equipped to adapt to the growing intensity of extreme weather events.

Given the escalating risks, the government must step forward to introduce grant-based disaster insurance schemes and raise public awareness about them. At the same time, it is crucial to increase the financial autonomy and capacity of Union Parishads (UPs) to manage disaster-risk financing effectively. Strengthening local governance structures with adequate resources and training is essential to ensure efficient, transparent distribution of climate funds and successful implementation of a disaster insurance programme.​

 

[Saif]

Air purifier to be installed in Dhaka: DNCC administrator

Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) Administrator Mohammad Ejaz has said authorities are planning to set up "air purifiers” in at least 50 places in Dhaka to prevent air pollution. On Monday, he said discussions were already under way with different companies to install the purifiers. Spe

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Air purifier to be installed in Dhaka: DNCC administrator
bdnews24.com
Published :
Apr 28, 2025 23:42
Updated :
Apr 28, 2025 23:42

Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) Administrator Mohammad Ejaz has said authorities are planning to set up "air purifiers” in at least 50 places in Dhaka to prevent air pollution.

On Monday, he said discussions were already under way with different companies to install the purifiers.

Speaking at a policy dialogue jointly organised by the DNCC and the Center for Atmospheric Pollution Studies (CAPS), Ejaz said the major cause of air pollution in Dhaka is 20-year-old vehicles and construction work.

He said the DNCC recommended getting rid of old vehicles, and added: “We are moving towards a system that can reduce pollution from construction work and other reasons.”

“Just as 100 trees purify and cool the air, each device will do so too. We are approaching quick solutions to reduce pollution, and also working on long-term solutions.

“The devices are a bit expensive, but we have received sponsorship to install 50 purifiers. We will enter into agreements with the companies this month.”

Ejaz pointed out that battery-powered rickshaws consume a lot of power. Since their batteries are not lithium-based, they do not use renewable energy.

Moreover, the structure, safety systems, and approvals of these rickshaws are not suitable for city use. A new type of rickshaw has been designed for this reason.

“Each vehicle will have to run on lithium batteries. The damage caused to the environment by burning other batteries will be much less due to this.

“The electricity consumption for battery-powered rickshaws will be much less,” he added.

The DNCC administrator said battery-powered rickshaws will also be allowed in Dhaka keeping many factors in mind. An owner will not get a licence for more than one rickshaw.

“We have to think about how many rickshaws we will allow in the city and on which routes, and whether there is the necessary infrastructure here or not.

“Who will need rickshaws is also a big question. Rickshaw traders are a big syndicate. We will decide and give one rickshaw licence against each National ID card.”

CAPS Chairman Ahmad Kamruzzaman Majumder presented the keynote speech at the event.​

 

[Saif]

Biochar: A climate solution from the ground up

Biochar is a durable, carbon-rich substance created via pyrolysis.

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Biochar: A climate solution from the ground up

A worker in Peru prepares to grind biochar made from bamboo residues. FILE PHOTO: REUTERS

It is now a foregone conclusion that global warming caused by a buildup of carbon dioxide, the most important climate-warming greenhouse gas humans have been adding to the atmosphere, is, for all practical purposes, irreversible. That is because the current concentration of carbon dioxide will keep the engine of climate change running on a scale of centuries to millennia. As a result, halting our planet from heating up more will be extremely difficult to achieve, unless we go "carbon negative" as soon as possible.

Going carbon negative means removing more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere than adding it. It requires effective use of carbon dioxide removal technologies, such as direct air capture (DAC), or bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS), or biochar fuel to mitigate residual emissions. A challenge for DAC is that the atmosphere blanketing the Earth is very big, and carbon dioxide is a relatively small part of it, about 0.04 percent. Hence, the technology will work effectively only in the vicinity of power plants where carbon dioxide is emitted in large concentrations. Another area of concern with DAC is energy efficiency. Carbon dioxide is not a very reactive molecule, so extracting it is both energy and resource-intensive.

At its most basic, BECCS involves growing crops, burning them to generate electricity, capturing the carbon dioxide emitted during combustion and storing it deep down into the Earth's crust. However, it is essential to exercise caution to ensure that the emissions resulting from the cultivation, harvesting, transportation, and processing of biomass do not exceed the amount of carbon dioxide captured by the crops. Besides, there are concerns for the safety of the storage of carbon dioxide in huge volumes over a long timescale at a single location due to the possibility of leakages, which can lead to contamination of the environment.

Lately, biochar has gone from being a highly theoretical proposal to being one of the most viable negative emissions technologies. It has gained considerable attention in recent years for its potential to address pressing challenges in agriculture, climate change mitigation, and environmental sustainability.

Biochar is a durable, carbon-rich substance created via pyrolysis, which involves the thermal breakdown of organic materials in an environment with limited oxygen. It has long been recognised for its ability to improve the health of soil and sequester carbon dioxide. Most importantly, biochar can help address climate change because it is one of the several techniques that target carbon dioxide.

As plants grow, they breathe in carbon dioxide from the air, using the carbon they absorb to build their tissues. Then they die and rot or decompose, releasing carbon dioxide into the air again. But if the decomposed plants are turned into biochar, carbon dioxide is instead converted into a solid, which can stay locked in the soil for many years. In this way, plants become one kind of carbon removal engine, drawing climate-warming carbon dioxide out of the air and storing it in the ground.

Biochar can be produced from various types of waste materials, including wood, shells, agricultural residues, and byproducts from industries such as paper mills, sawmills, and breweries, among others. The waste is fed into a special stove-like device called a pyrolyser, a low-tech version like a kiln. Inside the device, the raw materials are deprived of oxygen as they are heated to temperatures between 200 and 700 degrees Celsius. Without oxygen, the wastes cannot catch fire, and their carbon does not turn into carbon dioxide and escape into the air. Instead, the wastes are converted into biochar.

Depending on the operating temperature, the process also yields a liquid called tar or a gas called syngas. These byproducts can be combusted to generate the necessary heat for the continued functioning of the pyrolyser. Consequently, a pyrolyser can sustain its operation or generate additional fuel or energy for commercial purposes.

Once produced, biochar can be added to the soil. It can be applied in various ways, including being sprinkled on the surface, incorporated into the soil in layers or holes, or blended with compost or seeds. The carbon contained in the biochar has the potential to remain in the soil and be sequestered for a prolonged duration. According to Our World in Data, a non-profit online publication that focuses on global problems and trends, biochar can offset the equivalent of up to three gigatons of carbon dioxide each year by 2050, which is like shutting down 800 coal-fired power plants.

The most significant characteristic of biochar is its capacity to enhance the structure of the soil, retain water, and increase the availability of nutrients. It functions similarly to a sponge, effectively retaining vital nutrients and minimising the reliance on chemical fertilisers. Furthermore, its porous structure supports microbial activity, thus promoting healthier soil ecosystems. Biochar presents an environmentally friendly approach to improving characteristics of the soil, especially in sandy, acidic, and nutrient-deficient soils that typically experience challenges with water retention and loss of nutrients.

The production of biochar commonly utilises feedstocks such as rice husks, cassava peels, and various agricultural by-products, which are favoured for their accessibility and effectiveness in generating high-quality biochar. These biochars, sourced from agricultural waste, are particularly valued for their environmental sustainability and low production costs. For example, rice husk biochar is recognised for its ability to enhance the fertility of soil and improve water retention capabilities. Likewise, cassava peel biochar is extensively employed in tropical areas due to its capacity to improve soil structure and nutrient availability. Moreover, biochar derived from agricultural residues like straw, sawdust, and coconut shells is increasingly utilised for sequestering carbon dioxide and enhancing the quality of soil, particularly in regions where the management of organic waste is a significant concern.

The primary obstacle facing biochar is its cost and the fact that it is not a universally applicable solution. Compared to other soil amendments such as fertilisers or compost, biochar is generally more expensive, which complicates its mass production. For biochar to develop into a significant industry capable of contributing meaningfully to the mitigation of climate change, it will be essential to pursue innovative methods that enhance its affordability and efficiency.

Finally, biochar fits the bill kanta diye kanta tola!

Dr Quamrul Haider is professor emeritus at Fordham University in New York, US.​