The ecosystem of the Sundarbans and Pasur rivers has been disrupted due to the Farakka dam. UNESCO has also identified the Farakka Barrage built by India on the upper reaches of the Ganges as the number one cause of damage to the Sundarbans.
On the occasion of World Rivers Day, the speakers said this at a seminar on the rights of Bangladesh in the Sundarbans and Pashur river, cross-border rivers affected by Farakka at the Mongla Press Club auditorium on Sunday (September 22) morning. This seminar was organized by the upazila administration, Bangladesh Paribesh Andolon (Bapa), Save the Sundarbans Foundation and Service Bangladesh.
The speakers said that water is being withdrawn from the transboundary rivers. Rivers and canals are being filled with silt and salinity. Nature is disappearing as we take advantage of civilization. Plastic recycling and storage should be done to prevent pollution. We have stopped the normal flow of the river through the sluice gate. Alternative solutions based on nature should be sought.
They also said that due to lack of food and pollution, the hilsa fish in the Pashur river is getting smaller. Fair share of transboundary rivers should be settled through negotiation with India and other states. The number of Bangladesh-India and Bangladesh-Myanmar transboundary rivers are 54 respectively. India has constructed a total of 54 barrages and dams on 36 of the 54 rivers.
There are few international laws governing the construction of dams or barriers on transboundary rivers. But the unfortunate fact is that India is ignoring these laws in most cases regarding Bangladesh. Urged Bangladesh to sign the UN Water flow Act (1997) as a state party.
Principal of Mongla Government College Professor KM Rabbani spoke as the chief guest in the seminar. Upazila Senior Fisheries Officer Anjan Biswas, Director of Sundarban Museum Subhash Chandra Biswas, Principal Md. Salim, lecturer Shyama Prasad Sen, Dr. Asit Bose, Dr. Aparna Adhikari, Mongla Government College Lecturer Khan Arifuzzaman, Lecturer Khadija Akhtar and Service Bangladesh President Mostafizur Rahman Milan, Navolok Pradeep Biswas, CNRS Rakhi, Fishermen Association Vidyut Mandal, Abdur Rashid Howladar, Pasur River Waterkeeper Volunteer Nazmul Haque, Hashib Sardar, Russell Sheikh, women leader Kamala Sarkar spoke as special guests.