The eviction drive now being carried out on the banks of rivers girdling Dhaka City certainly looks different from those of the past years. While those launched in the past years gave the impression of casual and ritualistic exercises, this time it is not only broader in scope and range but also more resolute so far. The Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) is carrying out the eviction drive under what is dubbed Delta Plan. Once during the drive, organised people of a locality under the leadership of a political leader tried to oppose demolition of illegal structures but to no avail. Political connection was of no use. The indication is that the political high-ups really mean business this time. Such a strong message has even prompted illegal occupants themselves to demolish the structures they had built on the river banks. The resolution shown by the BIWTA has prompted Dr Ainun Nishat, an expert of water resource management and climate change, to comment that the recognition of rivers as a vital part of environment comes at a time when most of the rivers here are on the verge of dying.
Obviously, the pioneering water resource and climate change expert has given vent to his feeling of exasperation over the role played for decades by the administrations concerned. This time buildings as tall as six and seven-storey -- let alone three or four-storey -- have been pulled down in different areas. What were the BIWTA and other bodies responsible for land management doing so long? It takes a long time to erect a tall building. The issue gives rise to more questions than can be answered particularly when the area demarcation in regard to the Buriganga and the Turag was completed a few years ago and pillars posted to prevent encroachment. Construction of residential and commercial buildings and other structures within the river area was most likely possible in the absence of monitoring by the authorities concerned.
Now the question is, whether the eviction drive is all set to recover the illegally occupied river banks. Sure enough, most mighty rivers change courses but a quiet river like the Buriganga has had no strong current for decades. It has awfully shrunk at places to present the mistaken sight of a canal. Then the pollution has been taken to such an unbelievably nauseous level that the water looks jet black and the foul smell is simply revolting to nostrils. Dr Ainun Nishat has not lamented the degeneration of rivers' health for nothing.
What is important here is, however, to know if the expert has given up all hopes of the rivers' recovery, particularly of those considered the lifelines of the capital city. If the Thames and Ganges -- once infamously polluted -- could be brought back to their near original state, there is no reason why the Buriganga, Turag, Balu and Sitalakkhya cannot be given a new lease of life. The current eviction drive has to be brought to its logical conclusion. Adequate capital dredging can broaden the rivers' watery expanses and the monsoon rains can act as their natural cleanser. But to reap the benefit fully, dumping of solid garbage and waste together with release of effluent from factories has to be totally stopped. All such issues have to be addressed under a comprehensive plan.