Nagda River Near Dhaka Faces an Existential Threat
On 13 March, ahead of International Day of Action for Rivers (14 March) 2026, a community discussion meeting was held with local residents to protect the Nagda River, which flows through Samarsing area of Pubail, near Dhaka. The program concluded with an Iftar gathering attended by around 450 local residents.
During the discussion, community members expressed deep concern about the alarming condition of the Nagda River and called for immediate intervention from the government and local administration. They shared that even two decades ago, the river was vibrant and full of life. Local people used to drink its water and many families depended on fishing in the river for their livelihood. Large fish weighing around 8–10 kilograms were once commonly found in the river.
Unfortunately, the river is now almost dead. Industrial waste, encroachment, and the spread of water hyacinths have severely polluted and filled up the river. What was once a life-giving river has now become a source of environmental and health risks for the local community.
The Nagda River is an important waterway near Dhaka and is connected to the Turag River. Protecting and restoring this river is therefore crucial not only for local communities but also for the ecological balance of the surrounding region.
Local residents strongly urge the concerned authorities to take immediate steps to restore the Nagda River through dredging, pollution control, and removal of encroachments.