Twelve rivers in Jhenaidah are on the verge of dying due to illegal encroachment, serious pollution, and mindless sand extraction. Major rivers, including the Nabaganga, Chitra, Kumar, Ichamati, Dakua, and Kopotakkho, have already become nearly lifeless. This deterioration is not only disrupting the ecological balance but also threatening biodiversity and the local economy.
A visit to different areas of the district reveals a grim picture. The once-mighty Nabaganga River, which used to flow through the heart of the district town and supported large boats, has now dried up in many places—so much so that cattle can walk across it.
The riverbed is filled with silt and waste, while sandbars have emerged in various locations. Influential locals have reportedly occupied these areas and are using them for cultivation and other purposes.
A similar situation is observed in 12 rivers, including the Chitra, Kumar, Gorai, Ichamati, and Kopotakkho. In some places, dams have been constructed at the sources, while in others, riverbanks have been encroached upon. These activities are gradually reducing the rivers’ width and depth, obstructing natural water flow, and destroying habitats for fish and other aquatic species.
Local resident Biren Haldar from Khajura area said, “There was a time when we depended on fishing in this river for our livelihood. Now the river is almost filled up—there’s hardly any water left. If dredging is not done urgently, the river will disappear completely.”
Another resident, Rahima Khatun from Arappur, said, “Earlier, there was plenty of water in this river. We used it for bathing and household work. Now, there’s barely any water at all.”
Mizanur Rahman, a member of the Jhenaidah Biodiversity Conservation Committee, emphasized that restoring the rivers requires removing illegal dams at the sources first. “To bring back the natural flow, coordinated initiatives must be taken from the source to the estuary. Dredging alone is not enough—encroachment must be cleared and pollution controlled,” he said.
Jhenaidah Deputy Commissioner Abdullah Al Mamun stated that drives will be conducted in phases to free the rivers from encroachment. “At the same time, proposals have been sent to the relevant ministries to restore natural water flow. Efforts are underway for quick implementation,” he added.
According to district administration data, the total area of these 12 rivers across six upazilas in Jhenaidah is approximately 1,641.75 hectares. However, experts warn that without immediate and effective measures, these rivers may soon cease to exist entirely.
