Photo : Messenger
Bangladesh, a riverine country, owes much of its identity, culture, and economic development to its vast network of rivers. For centuries, these waterways have shaped the nation’s fertile landscape, supported agriculture, and facilitated trade and transport. However, in recent years, the once-mighty rivers have been suffering from neglect, mismanagement, and rampant exploitation, posing severe challenges to the country’s economy and environment. With the fall of the authoritarian regime on August 5, there is now an opportunity to reform and restore these lifelines to their former glory.
Over the past 15 years under the rule of Hasina's government, efforts to maintain and rejuvenate the country's waterways were marred by corruption, favouritism, and inefficiency. The regime's authoritarian grip stifled accountability, leading to widespread encroachment on riverbeds, and little to no action was taken against the encroachers. During this period, the independence of the media and judiciary was also compromised, making it impossible to hold those responsible accountable. Consequently, the degradation of rivers continued unchecked, with the issues of river encroachment and pollution failing to receive adequate attention in the public discourse.
Despite the critical role that rivers play in the economy, particularly in the transportation of goods, the waterways are becoming increasingly unreliable. The reduction in water flow, excessive siltation, and loss of depth have impaired navigation, leading to higher transportation costs and negative market impacts. Dredging projects, which should have been part of the solution, were poorly managed. Large sums allocated for these projects often ended up in the hands of corrupt officials and businesses, leaving the rivers in worse condition. Instead of rejuvenating the waterways, the dredging projects led to further deterioration, filling up channels and causing many to disappear entirely.
The failure to effectively manage the rivers has also led to other crises. Unauthorised sand extraction from riverbeds has become rampant, endangering homes, roads, bridges, and other infrastructures. Reckless sand mining, driven by powerful land grabbers, has caused severe erosion, displacing around 25,000 people annually, according to a report by The Daily Ittefaq on July 23, 2023. While such issues were widely discussed, including scandals involving high-profile officials, no meaningful action was taken to curb the practice. The lack of political will to address these problems only served to worsen the situation, placing the livelihoods of millions at risk.
Beyond the immediate risks of erosion and navigation challenges, the health of rivers directly affects agriculture, fisheries, and local communities. Excessive siltation has impaired the natural flow of water, leading to the drying up of tributaries and canals crucial for irrigation. As water levels in the main rivers decline, agricultural productivity suffers, threatening food security. The loss of fertile lands to erosion and the drying up of irrigation channels has left many farmers struggling, exacerbating rural poverty.
The recent political change offers hope for a new direction. It is essential for the new administration to prioritise a comprehensive and sustainable approach to river management. A well-structured plan for dredging and managing the waterways can address many of the issues that have plagued the country for years. Bangladesh relies heavily on its rivers for water drainage, irrigation, and transportation. Proper dredging will ensure that the waterways remain navigable, facilitating the efficient transport of goods across the country and reducing costs for businesses. Additionally, effective dredging can prevent floods by maintaining the natural flow of water, which is vital for a low-lying, flood-prone country like Bangladesh.
The new administration must move away from the previous government's approach, which was characterised by mismanagement and a lack of transparency. Instead, a transparent and competitive tendering process should be adopted for dredging projects. River dredging zones can be leased to private operators through open bidding, ensuring that the work is done effectively and generating revenue for the government. This revenue can be reinvested in other water management projects, such as building embankments, restoring canals, and creating new water channels to mitigate flooding.
However, dredging alone is not enough. It is crucial to regulate sand extraction to prevent further environmental degradation. Current practices of indiscriminate sand mining have already caused severe damage, and it is imperative to enforce strict guidelines. Sand extraction permits should only be granted to businesses that comply with engineering and environmental guidelines. This would help ensure that the extraction is conducted in a controlled manner, minimising the adverse effects on the surrounding environment. Uncontrolled and reckless sand mining must be strictly prohibited, and violators should be held accountable to deter future offenses.
Moreover, the annual budget for dredging should be better utilised by shifting the focus towards creating new water channels, restoring existing canals, and constructing embankments to prevent floods. By combining dredging with controlled sand extraction, Bangladesh can achieve significant economic benefits. A coordinated effort across various government departments will be required to implement these projects efficiently. The existing lack of coordination often leads to underutilisation of resources, resulting in wasteful spending. Better resource management can save the government substantial amounts of money, which can be redirected to essential projects that benefit the nation.
The successful restoration of rivers will also depend on effective collaboration between different development agencies. Several government departments own dredging machines and other logistical equipment, but there is often a lack of coordination in their use. A centralised system to monitor and manage the deployment of dredging equipment across different regions would make the process more efficient and cost-effective. This would ensure that resources are used optimally, preventing the delays and wastage that have characterised past efforts.
Furthermore, the restoration and management of rivers should be integrated into a long-term national development plan. Accurate and up-to-date maps of river systems are needed to identify areas requiring immediate attention. Regular monitoring of the progress of restoration projects will be critical in ensuring their success. Public-private partnerships can play a significant role in bringing in the necessary funding and expertise to implement projects on a larger scale. By encouraging local businesses to invest in river management projects, the government can tap into private sector resources, making the efforts more sustainable and economically viable.
Improved river management practices can lead to a positive ripple effect across various sectors of the economy. Better navigation will facilitate trade and commerce, reduce transportation costs, and improve market access for local producers. Efficient water management will mitigate flood risks, enhance agricultural productivity, and secure food supplies. Job opportunities in dredging and land development projects will provide an economic boost to rural areas, helping to alleviate poverty. Moreover, by leasing dredging rights through competitive tenders and ensuring strict compliance with environmental guidelines, the government can generate significant revenue, which can be reinvested in further development.
Bangladesh’s rivers are more than just water channels; they are integral to the nation’s identity, culture, and economic well-being. Their degradation is a matter of national concern that demands immediate action. A holistic approach to river management, emphasising transparency, accountability, and sustainability, is crucial for the country's future. By embracing this approach, the new administration can build a future where rivers flow freely, supporting the nation’s growth and prosperity. It is time to act decisively and restore Bangladesh’s rivers, ensuring they remain the lifeblood of the nation for generations to come.
The writer is an entrepreneur. He could be reached at: [email protected].
Messenger/Disha
