Bhairab River facing serious existential threat due to widespread illegal encroachment and pollution. Photo:BSS

BAGERHAT, March 17, 2026 (BSS) - The Bhairab River flowing through Kachua upazila of the district is facing a serious existential threat due to widespread illegal encroachment and unchecked pollution, raising concerns among local residents and environmentalists.
 
Once a vibrant waterway that supported navigation by launches, steamers, and boats, the river has now significantly narrowed. Influential land grabbers have allegedly occupied large portions of the riverbanks, constructing both permanent and temporary structures. 
 
In several areas, parts of the river have been filled to build shops and houses, severely obstructing the natural flow of water.
 
Alongside encroachment, pollution has worsened the condition of the river. Waste from local businesses-including hotels and restaurants in Kachua Bazar- is being directly dumped into the river. Rotting food, plastic waste, and untreated sewage have contaminated the water, making it unfit for use and creating a foul odor in the surrounding area.
 
Local resident and retired teacher SM Wazed Ali recalled the river's past significance, saying, "We used to see large vessels navigating this river during our childhood. Now it has become so narrow and polluted that even touching the water causes itching."
 
Residents have expressed frustration over what they describe as a lack of sustained administrative action. Although occasional eviction drives are carried out, encroachment reportedly resumes shortly afterward.
 
Local academic Professor Siddique emphasized the need for immediate intervention, suggesting that authorities should conduct a survey based on the CS map to determine the river's original boundaries and remove all illegal structures.
 
Community leaders have also called for stricter enforcement of environmental laws. They stressed the importance of preventing waste dumping and installing proper waste management systems, including dustbins, to protect the river.
 
Kachua businessman and BNP leader Sardar Zahid warned that without urgent action, the Bhairab River could disappear entirely, causing severe ecological damage to the region. He urged government intervention to include the river in ongoing canal excavation programmes.
 
Kachua Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md. Ali Hasan acknowledged the gravity of the situation. He stated that the administration, in coordination with the Water Development Board and other relevant departments, is actively reviewing the issue. Plans are underway to conduct surveys to determine river boundaries, identify illegal encroachments, and raise awareness among local stakeholders.
 
He also emphasized that legal action would be taken where necessary and called for collective efforts from authorities, businesses, and the public to protect the river.
 
"River protection is a shared responsibility," he said, expressing hope that  coordinated action can restore the Bhairab River and safeguard its ecological and economic importance.