Dhaka, April 11 -- An expansive roadway extends eastward from the busy Rampura Bridge in Dhaka, running parallel to it as it goes past the TV Centre until reaching Trimohini.
Along the pathway on the left, walkers are confronted with a overwhelming odor. This issue stems from a local waste disposal site operated by the city council.
Advancing with face concealed, one encounters a lifeless river—its shores encased in concrete barriers, overrun with an array of trees and bushes.
This so-called river resembles a narrow canal, barely noticeable as a water body.
A small signboard labels it the "Narai River"-a name that might surprise passers-by, who would likely mistake it for a mere drainage ditch.
The route follows parallel to the river, with Banasree on one flank and Aftabnagar on the opposite side.
Further down the walkway, close to the boundary of Banasree Block B, another site for unregulated waste disposal can be easily seen.
City corporation employees deposit household refuse at this location prior to it being picked up by trash collection vehicles.
Early in the morning of April 6th, walking for roughly a mile alongside the riverside—from Rampura Bridge to Meradia Bazaar—exposed three distinct sites where waste was being discarded.
The whole riverside is clogged with trash, and in certain areas, people burn it openly.
On-site investigations found that a multi-story condominium is being built close to Banasree Ideal School.
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Sacks of sand and bricks taken from the construction site are being discarded near the riverside.
Further along, in front of Farazi Hospital, ambulances are positioned extending over the river area.
In the Meradia Haat area, the riverbank has been overtaken by makeshift shops and yet another garbage dumping ground.
Trash is being discarded into open spaces alongside the river, leading to immense distress among local inhabitants.
Although the Banasree area has turned into an impromptu landfill, the opposing shore—Aftabnagar—is witnessing the emergence of majestic residential towers and medical facilities.
Several of these constructions extend directly into the river. Even projects labeled as roadway enlargements have encroached upon and reduced the area of land alongside the river during pavement work.
In Block C of Banasree, local resident Ruhul remarked, "The refuse from both Banasree and Aftabnagar accumulates in this river. The practice of open dumping leads to significant distress—we struggle with breathing because of the overpowering smell."
A bit farther along, Sifatul Islam (43), who resides in Aftab Nagar, recounted his own experience.
Emotional recollections flooded him as he remembered his times by the river. “In 1991, I would journey from Aftabnagar to attend classes at Banasree Ideal via boat, which took roughly thirty minutes. During that period, both Banasree and Aftabnagar were enveloped by the Narai River’s waters—a tributary of the Shitalakkhya. Owning a personal watercraft was common back then, much like owning automobiles today.”
While standing in Banasree Block F, Sifat—who now works at a private university—recalled, "The encroachment started during the tenure of military dictator Hussein Mohammad Ershad. The areas were covered with sand, and we would often play football and cricket on this newly formed ground. Over time, both Banasree and Aftabnagar were developed, leading to the construction of numerous high-rise buildings."
He mentioned, "Our destination was Meradia Haat, reached via a boat situated atop a tiny earthy hillock. Fishing equipment could be purchased at this location."
He explained, “We refer to it as ‘Gandharaj Khal’ (Stinky Canal) due to the intolerable odor. Sewage from Gulshan and Banani flows into this canal, turning the water as dark as coal.”
Lack of Coordinated Action
Former General Secretary of Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (BAPA) Sharif Jamil asserted that the demise of the Narai River is due to insufficient collaborative efforts.
Narai was initially linked to Hatirjheel. The building of the Rampura Bridge marked the initial stage in disconnecting these areas. Gradually, both Banasree and Aftabnagar constricted the river until it became nothing more than a narrow channel,” he explained.
The rivers of Narayanganj have become dangerous as a result of unchecked industrial contamination.
Jamil clarified, “Even with just the leftover portion of the river intact, it might have survived somewhat. The waste from Hatirjheel was meant for treatment at the Dasherkandi Sewage Treatment Plant. If this plant had been constructed sooner, maybe the river wouldn’t have vanished entirely. Nevertheless, the treatment facility doesn't encompass every canal. Consequently, contaminated water still flows into Trimohini post-treatment.”
The water in Trimohini was anticipated to get better following treatment; however, this has not occurred. The residents of the region find it difficult to reside because of the unpleasant odor. Numerous initiatives have been launched under the pretext of cleansing Hatirjheel, Narai River, Jirani Khal, and the Trimohini zone, yet these efforts lack an integrated strategy,” stated the environmentalist.
Consequently, even after every effort, Narai keeps deteriorating. Approximately twelve villages within the Trimohini region endure severe consequences from this contamination. Rather than squandering funds, an open and scientifically grounded strategy should be implemented, incorporating robust community involvement.
How Was the Narai River?
Dr. Manzoor Ahmed Chowdhury, who formerly served as the Chairman of the National River Protection Commission, stated, "In the past, this waterway was referred to as the Rampura Canal. However, during my term, I made sure it was officially acknowledged as a river."
Researcher Amin Al Rashid commented, "The body of water currently known as Hatirjheel Lake—which runs through Begunbari and Gulshan within the jurisdiction of Dhaka North City Corporation—was formerly a section of the Narai River. This river used to flow from Rampura towards the east before merging with the Balu River."
Until as recently as the early 1980s, the Narai served as an important inland waterway in central Dhaka. Artifacts unearthed along its former banks—from structures dating back to the Pala, Sena, Sultanate, and Mughal eras—confirm that this area was once home to a bustling urban community. This river originally extended from the Balu River in the east all the way to the Turag River in the west. However, the western portion has since been entirely reclaimed.
Amin Al Rashid mentioned that at some point, merchandise was moved through the Narai to Karwan Bazar, which featured a docking area alongside the river.
Will the Narai River Be Preserved?
In response to inquiries about initiatives for saving the Narai River, Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) Administrator Mohammad Ejaz stated, “It’s not within my purview. However, I strive to take proactive measures. The river comes under different jurisdictions: some parts fall under Rajuk, others under Dhaka South City Corporation, and still others under DNCC.”
He stated, “Our aim is to restore the river. We have some strategies in place. With a complete term of service, I believe we can achieve this restoration. Currently, however, we find ourselves in a transition period. The choices made at the state level rely heavily on financial support, which is presently lacking.”
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"A great deal hinges on the duration of our time in office. Bureaucrats also take this into account when deciding how they will collaborate with us. It’s crucial for us to operate under the assumption that we are only temporary fixtures. The Chief Advisor has already stated that elections will be held by December. This mindset can hinder bold initiatives. Nevertheless, our efforts persist regardless," he remarked.
The ex-Chairman of the River and Delta Research Centre (RDRC) stated, "My personal sense of duty weighs heavier on me than external pressures to restore this river. In just one month, I managed to rehabilitate the Konai River in Uttara—a feat seldom accomplished. Should the government and citizens believe that significant projects can be completed during our term, then receiving such encouragement from the authorities would make revitalizing this river a matter of mere days."
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