Causes for drying up of Bhairab River in Bangladesh

Abstract

Bhairab River is an important river in the moribund delta area of Bangladesh although it is drying up gradually. The study was conducted for a period of four months at six selected drying up points of the Bhairab River, viz. Notun Khoyertola, Puratan Koshba Kazipara, Nodagram, Santola, Nurnagar and Bijoy Nagar Villages in Jashore district to identify the causes for drying up of the Bhairab River so that the flow of the river can be continued and kept alive by taking necessary steps. Data were collected through questionnaire interviews and Focus Group Discussion (FGD). The data analysis revealed that both of human made causes and natural causes were responsible for river dry. It was found that 47%, 78%, 64%, 64% and 73% respondents supported the installation of dam, establishment of bridge, excessive irrigation in agricultural land, use of chemicals, pesticides, industrial effluents etc. and irresponsible management of fishing, respectively as human made causes for drying up of the Bhairab River. Data analysis also showed that 65%, 62%, 60%, 67% and 80% participants favored climate change, siltation, rainfall pattern, temperature and drought, respectively as natural causes for drying up of the Bhairab River. From the study, establishment of dam was observed predominant among human made causes and drought was found strongest among natural causes. The result also revealed 159 and 150 positive approval with respect to human made causes and natural causes, respectively as causes for the river dry, which indicated that the human made causes were relatively more responsible than natural causes for drying up of the Bhairab River. Therefore, it is very essential to take necessary steps through individual and government participation and public awareness to improve the present condition of the Bhairab River.