Dhoritri Rokhhay Amra (DHORA), a prominent environmental advocacy group, has raised alarm over the construction of a rubber dam in the Mahananda River, stressing the urgent need for its immediate removal to prevent adverse environmental repercussions.
Expressing grave concerns, DHORA issued a statement on Friday condemning the placement of the rubber dam, situated approximately 800 feet west of Bir Shrestha Captain Mohiuddin Jahangir Bridge in Bargharia Union No 4 of Sadar Upazila, Chapainawabganj.
The organization underscored the detrimental impact of the rubber dam on various aspects, including fisheries, water supply for downstream communities comprising 40,000-50,000 people, and irrigation for agricultural fields.
Mahananda River, a vital tributary of the Padma River, serves as a lifeline for Chapainawabganj, with its significance extending beyond geographical boundaries as a transboundary river shared between India and Bangladesh.
DHORA emphasized the critical role of rainfall in sustaining the river’s flow, highlighting the adverse effects of climate change leading to erratic monsoon patterns and exacerbating water scarcity during dry seasons.
The installation of the rubber dam, labeled a “death blow” by DHORA, poses an imminent threat of river encroachment and irreversible ecological damage, necessitating swift action to dismantle the structure.
DHORA issued a stern demand for the immediate removal of the dam and associated structures spanning approximately 1,000-1,200 feet in length and 200-300 feet in width. Additionally, the organization called for accountability measures against those responsible for devising and implementing the river-altering scheme.
As DHORA intensifies its advocacy efforts, the fate of the Mahananda River hangs in the balance, underscoring the urgency of collaborative action to safeguard this vital natural resource and preserve the ecosystem for future generations.
