Survey identifies 224 pollution outlets along Buriganga and Turag

The government has identified 224 outlets discharging waste into the Buriganga and Turag rivers as authorities prepare a coordinated initiative to control pollution and restore the waterways.

According to a survey presented at a stakeholder consultation in Dhaka, 166 of the identified outlets are located along the Buriganga, while 58 are along the Turag.

Industrial waste, including dyes, chemicals and heavy metals, accounts for 55% of pollution in the two rivers, the assessment found. Organic waste, pathogens and ammonia contribute another 25%.

The findings have placed industrial pollution at the centre of the government’s planned intervention, which includes shutting pollution sources, strengthening enforcement and ensuring that industries properly install and operate effluent treatment plants (ETPs).

Buriganga pollution reaches critical level

Bangladesh Navy Rear Admiral Abdullah Al Maksus, while presenting the project concept, said the Buriganga is in an extremely critical condition.

The survey found dissolved oxygen levels in the river at between 1.70 and 2.68 milligrams per litre, below the 5 milligrams per litre level considered necessary for healthy river conditions.

Untreated industrial discharge, sewage, market waste, oil and other pollutants were identified among the sources entering the rivers through multiple outlets.

Major pollutants affecting the Buriganga include tannery waste, sewage, industrial and market waste, oil and black sludge-like materials. The Turag is mainly affected by sewage, industrial waste and plastic.

Government plans source-based action

The survey recommended shutting the identified pollution outlets, preparing source-based lists of factories, ensuring the installation and operation of ETPs, closing unauthorized drains, increasing patrols and factory inspections, and taking legal action against polluting establishments.

The initial intervention is expected to focus on industrial pollution, encroachment-related pollution and pollution from vessels. Authorities are also working with Dhaka WASA and the city corporations to address sewage-related pollution.

Environment State Minister Sheikh Faridul Islam said pollution could not be controlled unless its sources were closed and called for industries to properly manage their environmental responsibilities.

Business representatives also acknowledged the severity of the pollution problem. BGMEA Senior Vice-President Enamul Haque Khan said the condition of the Buriganga had become extremely difficult, while the Turag’s water had become stagnant and mud-like.

Representatives from BGMEA, BKMEA, Bangladesh Textile Mills Association, Bangladesh Garments Washing Industries Association and FBCCI attended the consultation.

Central coordination cell planned

The government plans to establish a central coordination cell involving relevant agencies under the leadership of the Prime Minister’s Principal Secretary. The Bangladesh Navy will coordinate the initiative.

Agencies and ministries involved include the ministries of industries, water resources, labour and employment, local government and shipping, as well as the Department of Environment, Dhaka WASA, Bangladesh Coast Guard, BIWTA, Rajuk and the two Dhaka city corporations.

Prime Minister’s Principal Secretary ABM Abdus Sattar said the government wants to transform the Buriganga and other major rivers into healthier waterways.

Environment Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo acknowledged that restoring the rivers would take time, saying the government could not resolve all pollution problems immediately. He said even a 10% improvement by the end of the year would be considered progress.

The government now plans to identify the establishments connected to the 224 outlets, stop illegal discharges, ensure ETPs remain operational, close unauthorized drains and strengthen regular monitoring as part of the effort to restore the Buriganga and Turag.

Image Alt: Pollution and waste along the Buriganga River in Dhaka

Caption: A government survey has identified 224 pollution outlets along the Buriganga and Turag rivers.

Tags: Buriganga River, Turag River, Dhaka river pollution, Bangladesh environment, river pollution Bangladesh, industrial pollution, ETP, environmental protection, Dhaka WASA, Bangladesh Navy, water pollution, Buriganga pollution, Turag pollution