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

[Saif]

‘Degraded Airshed’ to be identified to control Dhaka’s air pollution: Adviser

The government is set to announce ‘Degraded Airshed’ zones in Dhaka city soon to combat worsening air pollution, said Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan. “An expert committee will be formed to provide scientific recommendations on the matter,” she told a meeting at the

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

‘Degraded Airshed’ to be identified to control Dhaka’s air pollution: Adviser

UNB
Published :
Jul 01, 2025 22:00
Updated :
Jul 01, 2025 22:00

The government is set to announce ‘Degraded Airshed’ zones in Dhaka city soon to combat worsening air pollution, said Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan.

“An expert committee will be formed to provide scientific recommendations on the matter,” she told a meeting at the Department of Environment office in Agargaon, Dhaka on Tuesday.

The adviser emphasised the need for effective measures to control air pollution in the capital, and instructed officials of the Department to take prompt and effective action.

Under the Environment Conservation Rules, 1997, an area within the same air flow zone is designated as a ‘Degraded Airshed’ if the air quality standard is exceeded due to pollution.

The adviser said brick kilns in key locations, including the hill tracts of Chattogram and Ramgati in Lakshmipur, will be prohibited to reduce pollution.

Continuous drives against expired vehicles will be conducted in cooperation with the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA).

Officials of the Department of Environment were directed to take legal action against illegal dumping of construction materials, burning of waste in parks or open areas, and leaf burning.

She also highlighted the importance of community involvement in implementing Dhaka city’s ‘Zero Soil’ programme. No area in the city should be left barren; tree planting must be carried out everywhere.

Hotspots for leaf burning should be identified and awareness campaigns launched, including distributing leaflets in educational institutions and advertising in the media.

The Environment Adviser ordered operations against sand dumping in Amin Bazar and urged the active participation of volunteers in tree planting activities.​

 

[Saif]

Banning trees to save nature? Rethinking Bangladesh’s exotic tree policy

The recent ban, however, goes further, prohibiting not just the plantation but also the transport and sale of both acacia and eucalyptus.

www.thedailystar.net

Banning trees to save nature? Rethinking Bangladesh’s exotic tree policy

The government’s recent shift towards promoting “indigenous fruit, medicinal, and timber species” is a welcome move from the perspective of ecological restoration.

Returning to Dhaka last September after five years abroad, I was simply searching for a modest, functional, and affordable cabinet. But as I wandered through the bustling alleys of the Mirpur Stadium furniture market, I found myself entangled in a complex narrative woven from timber, class aspirations, and ecological politics. Amid rows of polished wood and lively chatter, one term repeatedly caught my ear: Jessore teak. It mimicked the elegance of real teak (segun) but was far cheaper. When I asked what tree it came from, most were unsure, until an elderly shopkeeper disclosed the truth: Jessore teak is actually akashmoni (Acacia auriculiformis and Acacia mangium), a fast-growing species that matures in a decade and thrives where little else does.

More than clever marketing, this wood embodied an entire ethos: a way for ordinary people to furnish homes, build poultry and livestock sheds, or secure microloans in a constrained economy. But just as this quiet ecosystem of livelihoods had stabilised, it was abruptly disrupted. In May, the government banned both acacia and eucalyptus, citing ecological harm. The decision left growers, carpenters, and consumers in limbo, destabilising a forestry economy built over decades.

Exotic trees are not new to Bangladesh. Teak (Tectona grandis) was introduced by the British colonial administration but remained confined to state forests for a long time. The real expansion came in the 1980s through social forestry programmes, supported by NGOs and later the Forest Department. Lacking fast-growing native alternatives, acacia and eucalyptus were promoted for their rapid growth, resilience in poor soils, and ease of maintenance, particularly in degraded areas, along embankments, and in roadside plantations. These species quickly established themselves, spreading from public lands to private homesteads, offering both green cover and economic benefits.

However, this success came with ecological trade-offs. As non-native species, they contribute relatively little to local biodiversity and have been criticised as "water-hungry." Eucalyptus, in particular, is often accused of depleting soil moisture and releasing allelopathic toxins through its leaf litter. Yet much of this criticism is based more on public perception and environmental activism than on rigorous science. Peer-reviewed research from Bangladesh remains limited. Globally, findings are mixed: some studies suggest eucalyptus aids reforestation on degraded soils, while others warn of its hydrological and allelopathic impacts. Nevertheless, negative media coverage and activism have shaped public opinion, prompting the Forest Department to halt eucalyptus planting on public land since 2007, although private cultivation has continued.

The recent ban, however, goes further, prohibiting not just the plantation but also the transport and sale of both acacia and eucalyptus. Responses have been mixed. Rural communities that relied on these trees for furniture, fuelwood, income, and construction now face sudden precarity. Foresters, too, have questioned the rationale behind equating acacia with eucalyptus in a blanket ban. Acacia, a nitrogen-fixing species from the Fabaceae family, is often used to rehabilitate barren land and support mixed-species plantations. In marginal areas, it plays an important role in expanding green cover and meeting household needs. Allegations that acacia pollen causes asthma remain unsubstantiated, with forestry experts pointing to a lack of credible studies.

At first glance, the ban may seem like a bold ecological pivot. But on closer inspection, it reveals a deeper flaw in Bangladesh's environmental governance: the tendency to implement sweeping decisions without rigorous research or inclusive dialogue. Despite decades of widespread planting, methodologically sound studies evaluating the long-term ecological impacts of these species remain rare. If these trees are now deemed harmful, why were they so aggressively promoted in the first place? Where are the baseline trials? Who is held accountable?

This sudden reversal illustrates what political theorist James C Scott termed the synoptic impulse: the state's tendency to simplify complex realities into legible, administratively manageable forms. In the 1980s, the state promoted eucalyptus and acacia as miracle solutions. Now, it seeks to erase them with a single decree. In both cases, local complexities and ecological nuance are sacrificed for the promise of a uniform, scalable fix.

My conversations with villagers in Khulna and Chattogram reveal widespread frustration and confusion regarding the blanket ban. These trees are deeply embedded in rural economies—used for firewood, furniture, and even as collateral. Yet the ban was enacted without consultation, excluding those most affected: farmers, nursery owners, women who gather fuelwood, and entire communities reliant on these species. Even more troubling is the apparent class bias: teak, a slow-growing species favoured by the wealthy for high-end furniture, remains exempt—despite its well-documented ecological impacts, including soil degradation and allelopathic effects. Once again, the burden of "ecological correction" falls disproportionately on the rural poor—particularly those who followed state-backed guidance and now face penalties—while the wealthy remain untouched.

The government's recent shift towards promoting "indigenous fruit, medicinal, and timber species" is a welcome move from the perspective of ecological restoration. However, based on past experiences, I remain wary of the risk of reproducing new monocultures—whether orderly rows of mahogany (also an exotic) or rain trees—neither of which meaningfully contributes to biodiversity. Even fruit tree culture has undergone significant transformation. What were once seed-grown, community-nurtured orchards—mosaics of mango, jackfruit, java apple, custard apple and black plum that supported rich biodiversity and fostered an ecosystem of care and support—have been replaced by a few fast-yielding clonal shrubby varieties that lack both ecological richness and cultural resonance.

Today's fruit trees are smaller, more susceptible to disease, and less hospitable to birds and pollinators. This shift reflects a forestry paradigm that prioritises market efficiency over ecological resilience and cultural heritage.

Moreover, it remains unclear whether the ban adequately considered the carbon sequestration potential of these fast-growing species, or whether it was grounded in robust and methodologically sound environmental assessments.

Yet within this rupture lies a space for possibility. The ban reopens the conversation on how forestry can be reimagined—diverse, participatory and grounded in lived realities. But meaningful change requires more than symbolic gestures. It demands institutional support for those affected: subsidies, compensation, access to credit, and above all, humility in policymaking.

Instead of a blanket ban, a more context-specific approach would involve zoning: identifying where these fast-growing species can be safely cultivated and where they should be restricted. But guidelines alone are not enough. A robust monitoring system involving forest officials, local administrations, and community members is essential to ensure adherence to zoning rules. Without such participatory oversight, even the most well-intentioned policies may falter.

In Bangladesh, trees are never just trees. They are instruments of state control, markers of class aspiration, and pillars of survival.

Eucalyptus and akashmoni once symbolised progress; now they represent excess. Teak exudes elite distinction; "indigenous" species invoke nationalist pride. What is needed is not a binary of "good" versus "bad" species, but an inclusive, reflexive forestry model—one that recognises past errors, embraces ecological complexity, and shares both risks and benefits more equitably.

Dr. Mohamed Abdul Baten specialises in environmental policy, resource governance, and neoliberal impacts on marginalised communities and is a faculty member at North South University.​

 

[Saif]

Hilsa scarcity: A wake-up call

Hilsa -- our national fish -- is not merely a delicacy or a market commodity; it is deeply embedded in Bangladesh's cultural identity, folklore, festivals, literature, and rural life. A plate of steaming rice with mustard Hilsa curry has long been a symbol of Bengali culinary pride. Yet, today, the

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Hilsa scarcity: A wake-up call

MIR MOSTAFIZUR RAHAMAN
Published :
Jul 07, 2025 23:17
Updated :
Jul 07, 2025 23:17

Hilsa -- our national fish -- is not merely a delicacy or a market commodity; it is deeply embedded in Bangladesh's cultural identity, folklore, festivals, literature, and rural life. A plate of steaming rice with mustard Hilsa curry has long been a symbol of Bengali culinary pride. Yet, today, the same Hilsa that once swam abundantly in our rivers is becoming increasingly scarce, even during the peak fishing season. This scarcity is not only a matter of food supply or economy -- it is a national concern demanding immediate attention, scientific scrutiny, and a strong political will to address duly.

Despite being in the heart of the Hilsa season, the fish is notably absent from the markets. Following a two-month government-imposed fishing ban, it was expected that shoals of Hilsa would once again grace the rivers and coasts of Bangladesh. That optimism, however, has quickly dissolved. Fishermen from major Hilsa-producing zones like Bhola, Pirojpur, and Patharghata are returning with nearly empty nets. Once these waters teemed with life; now, they yield only disappointment and economic despair.

These fishermen, who once brought in baskets brimming with Hilsa, now often return with as few as four to five fish after a full day of labor. The traditional livelihood of thousands is under threat. The initial hope that lack of rainfall might be the sole cause has given way to deeper fears. Conversations with local communities and experts reveal that this is not a cyclical phenomenon; it is a systemic breakdown caused by climate, environmental mismanagement, and regulatory gaps.

According to the Department of Fisheries, the ongoing crisis is closely tied to climate change and rising temperatures. Hilsas are deep-water fish and tend to avoid surface water when temperatures soar above 30°C. This year, with much of Bangladesh enduring temperatures beyond 36°C, the Hilsa simply stayed hidden in the cooler depths, disrupting traditional fishing cycles. The combination of less rainfall and reduced river flow has further reduced the freshwater surge into the rivers -- a key trigger for Hilsa migration and breeding.

Compounding this problem is the gradual loss of river depth. Shoals and sandbars (locally called chars) have choked many of the major estuaries, particularly in the Barisal region which is home to seven major river mouths. Once the crucial gateways through which Hilsa would swim upstream, these estuaries are now being blocked by sedimentation and unregulated dredging.

The ecological disruption is worsened by indiscriminate industrial activities, especially around sensitive coastal areas. For instance, the coal-based power plant in Taltali, Barguna, has severely affected the Baleshwar, Bishkhali, and Payra rivers. The plant's construction required massive sand extraction, which destabilized the riverbeds and disrupted the delicate ecosystem of the region. Similar damage has been caused by the Payra power plant in the Buragauranga and Agunmukha river basins.

These power plants not only cause environmental degradation but also affect aquatic life through vibrations from heavy machinery and coal-carrying ships. When key migration and spawning routes are blocked or disturbed, Hilsa cannot complete their life cycle, resulting in declining catches.

Another striking issue is the lack of coordination between regional countries sharing the same ecosystem. In India, Hilsa breeding season is designated from mid-April to mid-June. However, in Bangladesh, it officially begins in mid-June and lasts until the end of August. Since both countries share the same maritime zones, such discrepancy is scientifically flawed and administratively dangerous. During Bangladesh's fishing ban, thousands of Indian trawlers are reported to enter Bangladeshi waters illegally, catching fish at a time when Bangladeshi fishermen are grounded. This not only undermines conservation efforts but also creates a serious economic imbalance.

One of the gravest threats to Hilsa stocks is the unchecked fishing of juvenile Hilsa, known locally as jatka. Despite the government's initiatives and regulations to prevent jatka harvesting, these baby fish are being sold openly in market under the misleading name "chapila." Millions of these juvenile Hilsa are being consumed before they can breed, severely hampering the natural regeneration cycle of the species. The authorities appear to be either under-resourced or unwilling to enforce the laws strictly.

More alarmingly, fishermen report the growing use of toxic chemicals to attract and catch fish in large quantities. This technique lures fish in bulk but kills them indiscriminately -- juveniles, adults, and even non-target species. Additionally, the use of destructive gear such as Chinese gill nets and stake nets is practically decimating Hilsa population.

Hilsa is not just a fish -- it is an economic pillar. The fish contributes over 1 per cent to the national GDP. From FY 2008-09, when Hilsa production stood at 299,000 metric tons, it climbed to 571,000 metric tons in FY 2022-23 -- an 83 per cent increase over 12 years. These gains were made possible through targeted government initiatives, including raising food aid (VGF) to fishermen during the off-season and enforcing seasonal bans.

In 2016, Hilsa received Geographical Indication (GI) status as a Bangladeshi product -- international recognition of its uniqueness and value. Yet all this progress is at risk if meaningful action is not taken immediately. Already, the price of Hilsa is rising due to limited supply. This not only burdens consumers but also widens the gap between demand and availability.

So, what needs to be done?

First, the dredging of rivers must be prioritised. Without ensuring navigability, Hilsa cannot migrate to spawn, and production will keep falling. Restoring the natural routes of Hilsa is critical not only for the fish but for thousands of dependent fishing families.

Second, enforcement of fishing regulations must be strict and unrelenting. Illegal fishing nets must be banned, and those using chemicals and banned gear must face prosecution. Simultaneously, the black-market trade in jatka under the guise of chapila must be destroyed through surveillance and public awareness.

Third, there must be regional policy harmonisation between Bangladesh and India. A joint management framework for Hilsa fishing and breeding seasons is essential for sustainable conservation.

Fourth, climate adaptation strategies must be integrated into fisheries policy. Research and forecasting tools should be improved to better understand temperature fluctuations, migration behaviors, and spawning timings.

Finally, industrial development must not come at the cost of river ecosystems. Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) must be made mandatory and transparent for any riverine project. River safety, ecological balance, and fish migration corridors must be non-negotiable priorities in development planning.

The current scarcity of Hilsa in peak season is not a random natural event -- it is the product of policy failure, environmental mismanagement, and unchecked exploitation. Bangladesh must rise to the occasion to protect this national treasure before it's too late.

We owe it not only to our fishermen but to our future generations to ensure that Hilsa remains more than just a memory in our folklore, and continues to swim freely in the rivers that have nourished our land, people, and culture for centuries.​

 

[Saif]

Tackling the menace called air pollution

Our activities, including the production of energy, heat, industrial goods, food, and transport pollute the air that we breathe in. There is general consensus that hundreds of thousands of citizens die prematurely every year in different parts of the world due to air pollution. Environmenta

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Tackling the menace called air pollution

Muhammad Zamir
Published :
Jul 07, 2025 23:02
Updated :
Jul 07, 2025 23:02

Our activities, including the production of energy, heat, industrial goods, food, and transport pollute the air that we breathe in. There is general consensus that hundreds of thousands of citizens die prematurely every year in different parts of the world due to air pollution. Environmental analysts have been underlining the fact that we are paying for poor air quality in increased disease-burden, cognitive decline and mental health, healthcare costs, productivity loss and lower GDP. The most affected are the vulnerable in our societies: children and the poor.

Children and adolescents are particularly vulnerable to the adverse impacts of air pollution. Exposure to air pollution enhances the risk of asthma, reduced lung function, respiratory infections and allergies in children and adolescents. A high presence of carbon monoxide (CO), ozone, nitrogen dioxide, and Sulphur dioxide (SO2) pose significant risks to public health, resulting in morbidity and ultimately mortality. Heart disease, stroke, lung diseases and lung cancers are also attributed to air pollution. Studies also point to a link between exposure to air pollution and greater risks for diabetes, cognitive impairment, and neurological diseases.

Climate analysts have also underlined that the decision-makers have a tendency to ignore the synergies and co-benefits of addressing climate change, biodiversity loss and air pollution together but not in a comprehensive manner. This may lead to unwanted consequences and costs.

The benefits of cleaner air and the environmental impact of air pollution for people, societies, and economies are often ignored within the paradigm of policymaking. They are quite often overlooked during the implementation of policy and investment decisions pertaining to energy, agriculture and industry. We need to take on this problem carefully in a coordinated manner and also with inter-active management, particularly with regard to investment.

In this context it may be noted that while energy savings, energy efficiency and the switch to renewables have gained attention, we have also seen a push to burn more domestic resources like coal and biomass to produce electricity and heat, with devastating impacts on the air we breathe. Promoting e-fuels and bio-fuels as alternatives to fossil fuels in road transport also ignores the pollution these solutions create.

According to the European Environment Agency (EEA), nearly 96 per cent of the EU urban population is exposed to fine matter above the health-based guidelines defined by the World Health Organisation (WHO). The EU's current revision of its rules on air quality, as set out in the proposed Ambient Air Quality Directive, has been identified as a concrete step towards cleaner air.

However, analysts have observed that achieving and implementing ambitious targets on air quality will require effort, especially by all EU member states, sub-national authorities, and those economic sectors that contribute to air pollution, including energy, mobility, agriculture, and industry. This will not be easy. It has been revealed that economic costs of air pollution equal 3 per cent of the GDP in Germany and 2 per cent of the GDP in France. Such a matrix should persuade the rest of the world, particularly Africa, Latin America and South Asia to monitor how the European Union is trying to solve this problem.

Cleaner air improves people's health and productivity. Bad air worsens them. We need to understand that available evidence leaves no doubt about how important the air we breathe is for workers' productivity. Air quality impacts the performance of individuals and the workforce. Sick people are less productive. Air pollution also contributes greatly to growing social inequalities. The uneven distribution of the health consequences of air pollution is closely tied to socio-demographic disparities. There is great evidence of this in South Asia.

We need to understand that preventable health problems, leading to early retirement, sick leave, and poor educational or work achievement, can only be translated as loss of money. When air pollutants cause damage to ecosystems, crop yields, forests, and buildings, it tends to devalue our natural-based assets, infrastructure, and real estate upon which our industry, agriculture, and social well-being depend.

Climatologists have observed that air pollution and global warming are entwined. Ozone, black carbon and methane contribute to air pollution and global warming. Extreme temperatures exacerbate negative impacts of ozone on public health. Air pollution and biodiversity

We need to remember that functioning ecosystems are vital for purifying the air we breathe and that air pollutants damage our ecosystems and biodiversity, which are crucial for sustaining life, fighting global warming, and safeguarding our economy.

Climate analysts and medical specialists have also observed that ground-level ozone (O3) - created when air pollutants (NOx, NH3, CO) mix - can damage crops, forests and other vegetation, impairing their growth and affecting biodiversity. Apparently, nitrogen compounds discharged into the air can also eventually end up in water causing eutrophication, an oversupply of nutrients, which can damage life and biodiversity. Sulphur and nitrogen oxides, emitted into the air, can also eventually cause acidification of soils and water, which can negatively affect biodiversity. Air pollution and climate change are closely intertwined. Certain air pollutants -- O3 and black carbon - contribute to global warming. Methane is both an air pollutant and a greenhouse gas that also contributes to the ozone formation. Climate change can also worsen the impacts of air pollution on the environment and people's health. Global warming further aggravates the impacts of air pollution on biodiversity as plants become more vulnerable and less resistant to the intrusion of ozone.

Mark Pointing, BBC climatologist has observed that the Earth could be doomed to breach the symbolic 1.5C warming limit in as little as three years at current levels of carbon dioxide emissions. Apparently, that is the blunt warning from more than 60 of the world's leading climate scientists in the most up-to-date assessment of the state of global warming.

It may be recalled that nearly 200 countries agreed to try to limit global temperature rises to 1.5C above levels in a landmark agreement in 2015, with the aim of avoiding some of the worst impacts of climate change. However, countries have continued to burn record amounts of coal, oil and gas and chop down carbon-rich forests - leaving that international goal in peril.

"Things are all moving in the wrong direction," noted Prof Piers Forster of the University of Leeds. "We are seeing some unprecedented changes and we're also seeing the heating of the Earth and sea-level rise accelerating as well. These changes have been predicted for some time and we can directly place them back to the very high level of emissions".

It may be recalled that at the beginning of 2020, scientists estimated that humanity could only emit 500 billion more tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) -- the most important planet-warming gas -- for a 50 per cent chance of keeping warming to 1.5C. However, by the start of 2025 this so-called "carbon budget" had shrunk to 130 billion tonnes, according to the new study. That reduction is largely due to continued record emissions of CO2 and other planet-warming greenhouse gases like methane, but also improvements in the scientific estimates. Climatologists in this context have indicated that if global CO2 emissions stay at their current highs of about 40 billion tonnes a year, 130 billion tonnes gives the world roughly three years until that carbon budget is exhausted. This could commit the world to breaching the target set by the Paris Agreement. It may be remembered that last year was the first on record when global average air temperatures had gone up more than 1.5 C above those of the late 1800s.

Human-caused warming was by far the main reason for last year's high temperatures. If emissions stay high, the planet is on track to reach 1.5C of warming on that metric around the year 2030.

In 2024, Asia's average temperature was about 1.04°C above the 1991-2020 average, ranking as the warmest or second warmest year on record, depending on the dataset. The warming trend between 1991 and 2024 was almost double that during the 1961 to 1990 period. The High-Mountain Asia (HMA) region, centred on the Tibetan Plateau, contains the largest volume of ice outside the Polar regions, with glaciers covering an area of approximately 100,000 square km. It is known as the world's Third Pole. Over the last several decades, most glaciers in this region have been retreating. This is increasing the risk of glacier lake outburst floods (GLOFs).

In 2024, most of the ocean area of Asia was affected by marine heat waves of strong, severe, or extreme intensity-the largest extent since records began in 1993. During August and September 2024, nearly 15 million square kilometers of the region's ocean were impacted-one-tenth of the Earth's entire ocean surface.

Perhaps the most noteworthy fact is the rate at which extra heat is accumulating in the Earth's climate system, known as "Earth's energy imbalance" in scientific jargon. Over the past decade or so, this rate of heating has been more than double that of the 1970s and 1980s and an estimated 25 per cent higher than the late 2000s and 2010s. Dr Matthew Palmer of the UK Met Office, associated with the University of Bristol has in this regard observed, "This is a really large number, a very worrying number" over such a short period. He has also observed that the recent evolution upwards is fundamentally due to greenhouse gas emissions. However, a reduction in the cooling effect from small particles called aerosols has also played a role. It has also been mentioned that some of the extra energy goes into warming the land, raising air temperatures, and melting the world's ice and about 90 per cent of the excess heat is taken up by the oceans. This is leading to disruption for marine life, higher sea levels, warmer ocean waters and melting of glaciers. Such a scenario has led to increase in the rate of global sea-level rise, which has doubled since the 1990s, raising the risks of flooding for millions of people living in coastal areas worldwide.

Environmental analyst Professor Rogelj has candidly noted that "reductions in emissions over the next decade can critically change the rate of warming. Every fraction of warming that we can avoid will result in less harm and less suffering of particularly poor and vulnerable populations and less challenges for our societies to live the lives that we desire."

We in South Asia, particularly Bangladesh, need to understand the deteriorating climate situation and take necessary measures in this regard. We have to also comprehend that the Paris observations were based on strong scientific evidence and were a warning that needs to be carefully followed for geo-strategic reasons.

Muhammad Zamir, a former Ambassador is an analyst specialised in foreign affairs, right to information and good governance.​

 

[Saif]

Reversing the decline of Dhaka's canals

Any flood flow and sub-flood flow zones must be protected.

www.thedailystar.net

Reversing the decline of Dhaka's canals

Cover of the book, Dhaka’s Canals on Their Dying Breath.

Water is vital to any city's development, shaping its identity, culture, and future. Dhaka, once intricately linked by its canals, rivers, and wetlands, has lost the natural connection. Rapid and unplanned urban growth, illegal occupation, and neglect have led to the disappearance of many water bodies, making the city prone to flooding, waterlogging, and environmental issues.

The book, Dhaka's Canals on Their Dying Breath, by journalist Helemul Alam, is more than just a historical account; it's a passionate appeal for change. With a thorough investigation and a deep appreciation for nature, Alam uncovers the stories behind the disappearance of Dhaka's canals, highlighting the severe consequences of their loss.

His detailed reporting, combined with personal insights, offers a vivid portrayal of the past, present, and potential future of these water systems. The book emphasises the urgency of protecting and restoring canals through environmentally conscious urban planning, making it an essential read for planners, policymakers, environmentalists, and concerned citizens alike.

In his previous work, Oasis Lost to Urban Sprawl (2023), Alam explored the neglect of Dhaka's ponds. This latest book sheds light on what have led to the decay of the city's water infrastructure and the environmental challenges Dhaka now faces as a result. It outlines how the destruction of natural drainage has turned rain, once a blessing, into a cause of urban distress. Crucially, it looks ahead, proposing realistic and sustainable solutions. And offers strategies for restoring lost water channels, repairing drainage systems, and guiding urban development to be more in tune with nature. Drawing on case studies and expert opinions, the book provides actionable ideas for building a more resilient and sustainable Dhaka.

The author has realistically depicted Dhaka's waterlogging, its causes and consequences. According to him, "In Dhaka, rain brings chaos. Streets become submerged, water invades homes in low-lying areas, and life in the capital slows to a frustrating crawl." He argues that the reasons behind this mess are: canal encroachment, ignored and poor urban solutions. Therefore, once the lifeline of Dhaka, the city's canals are now mere shadows of their former selves—clogged with pollution, suffocated by encroachment, and neglected due to flawed urban planning.

Alam also pointed out that the water retention ponds, originally designed to rescue Dhaka from floods, are now in need of rescue themselves. These basins, meant for stormwater management, are shrinking rapidly due to encroachments, unplanned urbanisation, and government neglect.

The book reveals that the efforts of the Dhaka Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (Wasa) to reinforce canals with concrete U-channels have made things worse. These structures have narrowed the canals, therefore reducing their capacity to carry water. Additionally, the original canal boundaries were not maintained, encouraging further encroachment. Additionally, the construction of embankments has cut natural connections between canals and rivers, including the Buriganga and Turag. This separation has disrupted the natural water flow and damaged the city's drainage system. The author warns that without immediate and sustained intervention, the waterlogging crisis will worsen, as climate change means the city may experience unusually high rainfall at any time.

To reverse this crisis, any flood flow and sub-flood flow zones must be protected. Box culverts should be turned back into open canals where possible. And reviving Dhaka's canals will require restoring their connectivity with rivers, the book argues. Once linked to the Buriganga, Turag, Balu, and Shitalakhya rivers, the canals seamlessly transported excess water.

Protecting retention ponds, recovering canals, and maintaining drainage networks—both surface and stormwater—are crucial to reducing waterlogging. By and large, Alam urges us to take a holistic approach to recover our water channels and waterbodies.

As the city continues to grow, this book stands as both a warning and a guide. It calls on citizens, planners, and decision-makers to reconsider how waterbodies fit into urban life. By adopting greener strategies, Dhaka can reclaim its waterways and build a healthier future in harmony with nature. In a time when cities around the world are learning to live with water rather than fight it, Helemul Alam's work reminds us of what's possible. It encourages us to reflect on our relationship with water and inspires hope that, through collective will and smart planning, Dhaka can move toward a more water-sensitive future.

Dr Adil Mohammed Khan is professor of Department of Urban and Regional Planning at Jahangirnagar University, president of Bangladesh Institute of Planners and director of Institute for Planning and Development.​