Due to unplanned industrialization and urbanization, Gazipur, one of the economically important districts of the country, has become an example of environmental degradation in Bangladesh in the last two decades. During this time, 60 percent of the area has been deforested and 50 percent of the water bodies have been occupied and used for other purposes.
A recent study has highlighted these data.
In 2000, the forest area of Gazipur was 39,943 hectares. In 2023, it decreased to 16,174 hectares. That is, the forest area has decreased by 59.51 percent in two decades.
At the same time, the area of water bodies has decreased by 51.42 percent. In 2000, the water bodies were 11,462 hectares. In 2023, it has decreased to 5,568 hectares.
The study titled ‘Environmental Status of Gazipur District: Consequences and Journey’ was conducted by the Bangladesh River Foundation, Nature and Life Foundation and Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association (BELA) in collaboration with the River and Delta Research Center.
According to the criteria, 20-25 percent forest area and 7-14 percent water bodies should be maintained. But now Gazipur has only 9.49 percent forest area and 3.27 percent water bodies.
The report said that a large number of people in Gazipur are moving from villages to urban areas. Due to this, the urban population growth rate is 10.51 percent, while the rural population has decreased by 2.05 percent.
People have left villages and moved to cities mainly due to industrial employment. Now 61.52 percent of the working age population is working in various industries. The number of industrial areas has more than doubled between 2000 and 2023.
This increase in industries is one of the reasons for the encroachment of forests and water bodies. At the same time, it has increased the level of pollution.
In 2000, 23.44 percent of the district's land was forest, 6.73 percent water bodies, 50.21 percent settlements, 5.21 percent industrial areas, 10.21 percent agricultural areas, and 3.19 percent open space.
By 2023, these figures had changed significantly. At that time, the settlement area had increased to 65.83 percent and industrial areas to 8.73 percent. In contrast, the amount of forest area had decreased to 9.49 percent, water bodies to 3.27 percent, agricultural areas to 11.92 percent, and open space to 0.77 percent.
In the last two decades, about 23,769 acres or 59.5 percent of the forest area in Gazipur has disappeared due to uncontrolled development. Rivers, canals, and wetlands, essential to Gazipur's ecosystem and economy, are under serious threat due to pollution and encroachment.
The study identified 247 major encroachments and 161 active pollution points in major water bodies including the Turag, Labanda, Tongi, Mogar and Chilai rivers.
The Turag River is severely polluted due to industrial waste from Marcus Bill. The Labanda River is filled with waste from plastic processing factories, 15 pourashava waste lines and 39 visible industrial waste lines.
The Mogar Canal has also been severely affected by encroachment. 34 incidents, including initial commercial activities and soil filling, have been recorded. Illegal brick kilns on the banks of the Turag River have increased pollution and encroachment, further complicating the situation.
Meanwhile, traditional livelihoods such as farming and fishing are facing increasing threats. The study recommends urgent action by the municipal and national authorities to address the environmental crisis in Gazipur.