river pollution

Buriganga remains unchanged

Waste from hundreds of factories in Dhaka's Shyampur and nearby areas is constantly feeding into the water of the Buriganga River. Whether it's the dry season or the monsoon, pollution in the Buriganga runs in sync. The pollution not only changes the colour of the water, but also spreads a foul smell.

The dark waters of the Buriganga

The water level of the Buriganga River recedes in the dry season of winter, making the intense pollution of the water body even more apparent. The river water, once the life blood of Dhaka, has turned the inky black of tar or oil. Boats still regularly make crossings over these dark waters.

Pollution choking the Buriganga

Large volumes of untreated waste from more than a hundred printing, knitting and dyeing factories in Dhaka’s Shyampur area are flowing into the Buriganga River every day. Water mixed with dyes and chemicals is being discharged directly into the river, turning it dark and foul. High levels of ammonia, oil, grease and chemicals such as phenol pose a serious threat to the river’s ecosystem and public health.

Plastic waste poses new threat to Buriganga channel

The Buriganga River has long suffered from encroachment and pollution. When one form of contamination ends, another seems to take its place. Both sides of the river’s original channel are now places where plastic waste is recycled indiscriminately and then dumped along the banks.

Waste from Mirpur factories flow into Turag River

Waste from various factories in Dhaka’s Mirpur flow into the Turag River through the sluice gate of the Water Development Board in the Goranchatbari area. The black, chemical-laden water from the factories flows into the river and gives rise to foam, a clear sign of its pollution.

Buriganga, revived by rain, remains polluted

Industrial waste is dumped into the Buriganga River throughout the year. Monsoon revives the river, but cannot wash away all the pollution. The waste from print, knit and dyeing factories in Dhaka’s Shyampur is dumped directly into the river. The river water is polluted and spreads a strong stench in the area.

Childhood in the shadow of pollution

Nestled alongside the once pristine Buriganga River, Kamrangirchar grapples with an environmental crisis that weighs heaviest on its youngest residents. Living a life suffocated by pollution, the children of Kamrangirchar spend their days playing in heaps of waste and debris.

Dipping in a fresh Buriganga

Monsoon rain has given the pitch dark and smelly water of the Buriganga River in Dhaka a muddy texture. A group of children dipped in the fresh water in Kamrangirchar, showing acrobatic skills.

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