In a concerning revelation, a recent study indicates that Gazipur district, adjacent to the capital, has lost two-thirds of its forest cover and water bodies over the past two decades.
This alarming finding comes amid unplanned industrialization and urbanization that have escalated in this economically significant region.
The results were presented at a discussion titled "Environmental Crisis in Gazipur: Pathways to Recovery," held at the Gazipur PTI Auditorium on Tuesday.
The research was conducted by the River and Delta Research Center (RDRC), the Bangladesh River Foundation (BRF), the Bangladesh Environment Lawyers Association (BELA), and the Nature and Life Foundation.
Conducted in 2023, the study primarily focused on rivers but also highlighted the current status and evolution of other environmental components.
The session was chaired by BELA’s acting CEO, Taslima Islam, with Mohammad Monir Hossain, Chairman of the Bangladesh River Foundation, facilitating the discussion.
The district commissioner, Nafisa Arefin, was the chief guest, while the presentation of survey data was led by Mohammad Ejaz, chairman of the River and Delta Research Center.
The study reveals that since the beginning of the 21st century, specifically from 2000 to 2023, Gazipur's environment has undergone significant deterioration. There has been a marked reduction in forest areas, water bodies, and open spaces, alongside a rise in unplanned industrial and urban development, leading to forest encroachment, filling of water bodies, and tree felling.
The district's population has surged from approximately 3.5 million in 2011 to over 5 million in 2022.
Gazipur City Corporation is now one of the most densely populated areas in the country, with 8,126 people living per square kilometer.
According to the environmental survey, the area of wetlands in the district was 11,462 hectares (6.73% of total area) in 2000, but this has plummeted to 5,568 hectares (3.27% of total area) by 2023.
Ideally, a district should maintain 7-14% of its area as wetlands, but Gazipur is far below this standard. The Turaag, Balu, Banshi, Shitalakkhya, and Chilai rivers in the area are severely polluted due to industrial waste, significantly impacting overall environmental health and public safety.
The study also indicates a steep decline in forest cover. In 2000, Gazipur had 39,943 hectares of forest (23.44% of total area), which has now dwindled to 16,174 hectares (9.49%).
This decline is particularly concerning given the presence of important forest areas like the Bhawal National Park.
Agricultural land in the district increased from 18,270 hectares in 2000 to 20,307 hectares in 2023. Human settlements expanded from 85,573 hectares (50.21% of total area) in 2000 to 112,179 hectares (65.83% of total area) by 2023.
The industrial area also witnessed growth, expanding from 9,736 hectares to 14,877 hectares in the same period. Conversely, the area designated as open space fell drastically from 5,436 hectares to just 1,316 hectares.
The research report indicates that uncontrolled industrialization and urbanization, which are destroying the natural ecosystem, have made Gazipur a symbol of environmental disaster in the country.
The situation is alarming, with significant encroachment of forests and wetlands and extremely high pollution levels in both air and water, adversely affecting public health.
In light of these findings, BELA, BRF, RDRC, and the Nature and Life Foundation proposed several recommendations. Various stakeholders present at the meeting shared their opinions, emphasizing the need for heritage conservation.
District Commissioner Nafisa Arefin acknowledged the daily reports of forest encroachment, stating that discussions and mediations are ongoing. "We must all stand against these encroachments. I will utilize my government responsibilities to the fullest in this matter," she said.
Taslima Islam, acting CEO of BELA, urged the community not to be disheartened by the problems. "We all need to be aware. The government or BELA alone cannot solve issues of encroachment and pollution. We seek urbanization and development, but not at the cost of our environment," she said.
