Bangladesh is losing natural wetlands every year under the very nose of the authorities concerned. We have already lost 53 lakh hectares of natural wetlands.
However, our country is still enriched with 43.47 lakh hectares of natural wetlands which have been referred to as "earth's kidneys" because of their high and long-term capacity to filter pollutants from the water that flows through them. And they are producing 18 lakh tonnes of various species of native fish every year.
Besides, the wetlands are also playing important roles in protecting the environment. But it is very unfortunate to note that like other resources the influential people continued looting country’s wetlands.
Involvement of the local people is a must to
preserve the wetlands and save them from
profit-mongers and land-grabbers
Bangladesh is a riverine country and haors, baors, freshwater lakes and wetlands are the lifeline and resources of the country. The government has taken several special measures to restore and develop the natural wetlands. According to Article 18A of the Constitution, ‘The State shall endeavour to protect and improve the environment and to preserve and safeguard the natural resources, biodiversity, wetlands, forests and wild life for the present and future citizens.’ In this regard, the deputy commissioners have repeatedly been asked to strengthen measures for protecting wetlands from pollution and encroachment and restoring them. But the wetlands are disappearing fast from the country’s map due to illegal unabated grabbing.
Conservation of wetland ecosystems is essential for fresh water supply, preserving biodiversity and so on. Therefore, country’s hundreds of acres of wetland should not be allowed to be destroyed further.
We think it is not possible to protect country’s wetlands unless the influential people are brought to book immediately.
Therefore, stern action should be taken against the people who are involved in destroying wetlands. We hope no mercy will be shown to them in this regard.
When our lost wetlands will be restored, they will get back their natural beauty and we will have to properly utilise these resources.
Therefore, the grassroots administration in association with public representatives like local lawmakers, upazila chairmen, city and municipality mayors and union parishad chairmen must ensure proper maintenance of wetlands and utilisation of these resources. Besides, the involvement of the local people is a must to preserve the wetlands and save those from the profit-mongers and land-grabbers.
Integrated efforts of all the government, non-government organisations concerned and general people are needed to ensure restoration and preservation of all the wetlands. It is time to recover the lost wetlands to protect our environment at any cost. In this regard, if necessary, we have to change the cropping pattern to enhance food production, but we must not ruin our wetlands as many species of fishes, animals and plants considered to be threatened with extinction.
