SAFE THE RIVER

Bangladesh is a riverine country, more or less near about 900+ big and small river crisscrossed all over the Bangladesh. All the river is full of fishes and great number lives. The bank of the river used as port and heart of business zone, boats, Lunches and small dingi’s are used for transport and business purposes. In all those rivers “Tuarg” is one of the most important river in Bangladesh also famous for it’s tributary.

Turag River?is the upper?tributary?of the?Buriganga, a major river in?Bangladesh. The Turag originates from the?Bangshi River, the latter an important tributary of the?Dhaleshwari River, flows through?Gazipur?and joins the Buriganga at?Mirpur?in?Dhaka District. It is?navigable?by boat all year round.

The Turag River is a significant waterway in Bangladesh. It originates from the Bangshi River, a distributary of the Jamuna River, and flows through the central part of Bangladesh before eventually joining the Buriganga River. The river plays a crucial role in the livelihoods of the people living along its banks, supporting agriculture, fishing, and transportation. However, like many rivers in Bangladesh, the Turag faces challenges such as pollution and encroachment, which threaten its health and sustainability. Efforts are being made to address these issues and ensure the long-term well-being of the river and its surrounding ecosystem.

The Turag suffers from?infilling?along its banks, which restricts its flow.?It also suffers from acute?water pollution. While attempts have been made to marginally widen the river,?the majority of industry has made little effort to follow environmental law?and the water has become visibly discolored.

2019; Singh et al. 2022). Investigating the water quality of the Turag River is of paramount importance for Dhaka and its surrounding areas due to?its critical role as a water source for drinking, irrigation, industry, and domestic use.

The investigation report said that the ?area of Turag River extends from Aminbazar, Savar Upazila to Tongi in Gazipur to Dhaka, Bangladesh. It is one of the major natural drainage systems in the Gazipur and Dhaka city and one of the most contaminated rivers in Bangladesh having a length of 62 km, and average width is?82 m which is now turn in nearly half due to capture the bank of river for urbanization and Industrialization. The symptom and situation knocking the siren one-day Turag will turn to be a small canal as the people who are living beside the River and fully insincere and careless. The bank of river fully occupied by different type of business and shops, Garments industry and dying Factories without functional ETP. Dying Factory is the mother cause of the river pollution due to the operation of dying is without Functional ETP also the nonchalant movement of concern authority.?

The River Turag flows beside Dhaka and is an important waterbody in the region, although its condition is not good.

River Turag (????? ???) is an upper tributary river of the Buriganga?River, and flows beside the Dhaka. The condition of the river is not good during the dry season. It uses to be polluted severely, and the water seems black in most of the places with a pungent smell.

The river Turag uses to inundate it’s both bank during the rainy season. Though the river is a narrow one, but for this inundation it looks like a massive river during this time. Lot of fishermen use to catch fish from this river. But due to the pollution (from industry around) the count of fish decreasing day by day. That’s why those fishermen are struggling these days for fishing and migrating into other occupations for living.

Pollution in the Turag River, like many rivers in Bangladesh, can be attributed to various human activities and environmental factors. Some of the primary causes include:

1. Industrial Waste: Discharge of untreated or partially treated industrial effluents directly into the river can introduce pollutants such as heavy metals, chemicals, and other harmful substances.

2. Urban Runoff: Urbanization leads to increased surface runoff, carrying pollutants such as litter, chemicals, and oil from streets, parking lots, and industrial areas into the river.

3. Agricultural Practices: The use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides in agriculture can result in runoff containing harmful substances like nitrogen, phosphorus, and pesticides, which can degrade water quality.

4. Domestic Sewage: Disposal of untreated or inadequately treated sewage from households, hospitals, and other establishments can introduce organic matter, pathogens, and other pollutants into the river.

5. Deforestation and Soil Erosion: Deforestation and soil erosion in the river's catchment area can increase sedimentation and nutrient runoff into the river, further degrading water quality.

6. Encroachment and Illegal Activities: Illegal activities such as encroachment along riverbanks, sand mining, and dumping of waste contribute to pollution and habitat destruction.

7. Climate Change: Changes in rainfall patterns, temperature, and sea level rise associated with climate change can exacerbate pollution in the Turag River and impact its water quality and ecosystem health.

Addressing these causes requires coordinated efforts involving government agencies, industries, communities, and other stakeholders to implement and enforce pollution control measures, promote sustainable practices, and restore and protect the river's ecosystem.

The River once full of delicious fishes like:

The Turag River, like many rivers in Bangladesh, supports a diverse range of fish species that are important for both the ecosystem and the livelihoods of local communities. Some of the common fish species found in the Turag River include:

1. Rui (Rohu) - Labeo rohita: Rui is one of the most popular and commercially important freshwater fish species in Bangladesh. It is widely cultured in ponds and also found in rivers like the Turag.

2. Katla - Catla catla: Katla is another economically important freshwater fish species commonly found in rivers and ponds throughout Bangladesh.

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3. Mrigal - Cirrhinus mrigala: Mrigal is a commonly farmed carp species in Bangladesh and is also found in rivers like the Turag.

4. Pangas (Pangasius) - Pangasius pangasius: Pangas, also known as Pangasius or Indian Catfish, is a freshwater catfish species found in rivers and inland water bodies in Bangladesh.

5. Hilsa - Tenualosa ilisha: Although Hilsa is primarily a migratory fish species that spends most of its life in the sea, it is known to enter rivers like the Turag during the spawning season.

6. Tengra - Mystus tengara: Tengra is a small freshwater catfish species commonly found in rivers, canals, and floodplains in Bangladesh.

7. Boal (Wallago attu): Boal, also known as Wallago, is a large predatory catfish species found in rivers and large water bodies in Bangladesh, including the Turag River.

These are just a few examples of the many fish species that inhabit the Turag River. The biodiversity of fish in the river is essential for maintaining ecosystem balance and providing sustenance for local communities through fishing and aquaculture. Efforts to protect and conserve the Turag River and its aquatic habitats are crucial for the continued survival of these fish species and the well-being of the surrounding communities.

Now Turag river is just a name - Today Turag is like a black dirty water channel of other rivers - Around which thousands of enemies are running polluted water from factories has made the life of Turag and the life built around Turag dangerous - Turag water is now 100% unusable, polluted water from various factories -Especially dyeing factory water, which is mixed with various types of toxic chemicals, which has polluted the river as well as the surrounding environment. Now the situation is such that if this river water is used for agricultural purposes, the crops produced will be polluted and anyone who consumes it will also be blamed.

How do we save the River Turag??

Saving a river involves a combination of efforts from various stakeholders including governments, communities, and environmental organizations. Here are some steps that can be taken to save the River Turag:

1. Reduce Pollution: Implement strict regulations to control industrial and domestic waste discharge into the river. Promote the use of eco-friendly technologies and practices in industries and households to minimize pollution.

2. Sustainable Agriculture: Encourage farmers in the river basin to adopt sustainable agricultural practices that reduce soil erosion and chemical runoff into the river. This could include promoting organic farming, contour plowing, and agroforestry.

3. Riparian Zone Protection: Protect and restore the natural vegetation along the riverbanks (riparian zones) to prevent soil erosion, filter pollutants, and provide habitat for wildlife.

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4. Wastewater Treatment: Invest in wastewater treatment infrastructure to treat sewage and industrial effluents before they are discharged into the river. This helps in improving water quality and reducing the impact of pollution.

5. Community Engagement: Involve local communities in river conservation efforts through education and awareness programs. Encourage community-led initiatives for river cleanup, afforestation, and sustainable resource management.

6. Regulatory Measures: Enforce existing environmental laws and regulations related to river protection and ensure that polluters are held accountable for their actions. Additionally, establish new policies if necessary to address emerging threats to the river.

7. Biodiversity Conservation: Protect and restore the habitats of aquatic species in and around the river. This may involve creating protected areas, implementing fishery management plans, and controlling invasive species.

8. Monitoring and Research: Regularly monitor water quality, biodiversity, and other key indicators of river health to track progress and identify emerging issues. Support scientific research to better understand the challenges facing the river and develop effective conservation strategies.

9. International Cooperation: Since rivers often cross international borders, collaborate with neighboring countries on transboundary river management to address shared challenges and promote sustainable use of water resources.

10. Public Advocacy: Mobilize public support for river conservation through media campaigns, public events, and advocacy efforts. Encourage people to value and appreciate the river as a vital natural resource worth protecting for future generations.

Implementing regulatory measures is crucial for saving the River Turag. Here are some specific regulatory actions that could be considered:

1. Water Quality Standards: Establish and enforce strict water quality standards for the River Turag to limit the levels of pollutants such as heavy metals, pesticides, and organic compounds in the water.

2. Pollution Control Regulations: Enact regulations to control industrial and domestic pollution sources, including mandatory wastewater treatment requirements for industries and regulations on the use of fertilizers and pesticides in agriculture.

3. Zoning and Land Use Planning: Implement zoning regulations and land use planning measures to protect riparian zones and prevent encroachment into sensitive areas along the riverbanks. This could include establishing buffer zones and restricting certain types of development near the river.

4. Erosion Control Measures: Require landowners in the river basin to implement erosion control measures such as contour plowing, terracing, and reforestation to prevent soil erosion and sedimentation in the river.

5. Waste Disposal Regulations: Regulate the disposal of solid waste, hazardous waste, and construction debris to prevent illegal dumping and contamination of the river and its tributaries.

6. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA): Require developers to conduct thorough environmental impact assessments before undertaking any projects that could potentially affect the River Turag or its watershed. This would help identify and mitigate potential negative impacts on the river ecosystem.

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7. Monitoring and Enforcement: Strengthen monitoring and enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance with environmental regulations. This may involve increasing the number of environmental inspectors, implementing remote sensing technologies for monitoring, and imposing penalties for non-compliance.

8. Public Participation: Promote public participation in decision-making processes related to river management and conservation. This could include public consultations on proposed regulations, participation in watershed management committees, and opportunities for citizen science initiatives to monitor water quality.

9. Sustainable Development Policies: Integrate river conservation goals into broader sustainable development policies at the national and regional levels. This could involve incorporating principles of integrated water resources management and ecosystem-based approaches to river basin management.

10. International Cooperation: Work with neighboring countries that share the Turag River basin to develop coordinated regulatory frameworks for transboundary river management, including agreements on water allocation, pollution control, and biodiversity conservation.

By implementing these regulatory measures, authorities can help protect and restore the health of the River Turag and ensure its long-term sustainability for both people and the environment.

Reducing pollution in the River Turag involves a combination of regulatory measures, technological innovations, public awareness, and community involvement. Here are some specific steps to achieve this:

1. Strict Regulations: Enforce and strengthen regulations on industrial and domestic waste discharge into the river. Implement wastewater treatment standards for industries and municipalities to reduce the release of pollutants into the water.

2. Promote Green Technologies: Encourage industries to adopt cleaner production methods and invest in eco-friendly technologies that minimize pollution and waste generation. This could include implementing closed-loop systems, using renewable energy sources, and upgrading production processes to reduce emissions and effluents.

3. Waste Management: Develop comprehensive solid waste management systems to prevent littering and illegal dumping of waste into the river and its tributaries. Promote recycling, composting, and proper disposal practices to reduce the amount of waste entering the waterways.

4. Agricultural Best Practices: Work with farmers in the river basin to promote sustainable agricultural practices that minimize chemical fertilizers and pesticides use, reduce soil erosion, and protect water quality. This could involve providing training, incentives, and technical assistance to adopt techniques such as organic farming, crop rotation, and agroforestry.

5. Riparian Zone Restoration: Restore and protect the natural vegetation along the riverbanks (riparian zones) to stabilize soils, filter pollutants, and provide habitat for wildlife. Conduct reforestation and revegetation projects to enhance the ecological functions of these critical buffer zones.

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6. Public Awareness Campaigns: Educate local communities, businesses, and stakeholders about the importance of preserving the River Turag and the adverse effects of pollution on human health and the environment. Promote behavior change through awareness campaigns, workshops, and educational materials on pollution prevention and conservation practices.

7. Community Participation: Involve local communities in monitoring water quality, conducting river clean-up activities, and implementing pollution control measures. Encourage community-led initiatives such as citizen science projects, watershed stewardship programs, and eco-tourism initiatives to foster a sense of ownership and responsibility for river protection.

8. Investment in Infrastructure: Invest in infrastructure projects to improve sewage treatment facilities, stormwater management systems, and sanitation infrastructure in urban and rural areas. Upgrade outdated infrastructure to prevent untreated sewage and runoff from entering the river during heavy rainfall events.

9. Enforcement and Compliance: Strengthen enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance with environmental regulations and hold polluters accountable for their actions. Increase monitoring and surveillance efforts to detect and deter illegal pollution activities, and impose penalties on violators to discourage future violations.

10. International Cooperation: Collaborate with neighboring countries that share the Turag River basin to develop joint strategies for pollution control and transboundary water management. Share information, resources, and best practices to address common challenges and achieve collective goals for river conservation.

By implementing these measures collectively, stakeholders can work towards reducing pollution in the River Turag and safeguarding its ecological integrity for present and future generations.

We wanna save the river Turag, not only Turag but also all the river of Bangladesh. It’s our pride that Bangladesh know as the riverine country in the world. For our next Generation and Existence its bare necessary to work in a Team to save the river of Bangladesh. Lets start from Turag-------------------