Dear Sir,
The Chandana River, once a vibrant distributary of the Padma River in Bheramara Upazila of Kushtia District, is now facing severe threat due to prolonged neglect and illegal encroachment. Influential groups have unlawfully constructed embankments at several points of the river to retain water for commercial fish farming, disrupting its natural flow. As a result, adjacent agricultural lands are being damaged, and waterlogging has become a regular problem during the monsoon.
Gradually, the river is turning into a stagnant water body, causing serious environmental degradation and loss of biodiversity. Fish populations are declining, aquatic habitats are being destroyed, and water quality is deteriorating. The livelihoods of local people who depend on the river for fishing, farming, irrigation, and daily household needs are therefore at serious risk.
Most alarming is that these illegal activities continue openly, while effective administrative action remains largely absent. If encroachment and unlawful fish farming are not stopped immediately, the Chandana River may soon lose its existence.
Urgent and coordinated steps are needed to remove illegal structures, evict encroachers, and restore the river's natural flow and ecological balance before irreversible damage occurs.
Muhammad Shafayat Hussain
Student, Kushtia Government College
