City Reporter: Today is World Rivers Day. The day will be observed throughout the country, including Chittagong. Various programs have been taken on this occasion. The day is celebrated on the fourth Sunday of September every year. An organization named Riverine People has been celebrating this day in Bangladesh since 2010. However, since 1980, the British Columbia Institute of Technology has started celebrating World Rivers Day every year. The United Nations adopted the day in 2005.
Meanwhile, even though River Day is celebrated every year, the rivers of Chittagong are plagued with various man-made and natural problems. Notable among these are illegal encroachment, filling, and pollution. The four notable rivers of Chittagong are Karnaphuli, Halda, Sangu, and Ichamati. In this, the layer of polythene is accumulated at the bottom of the cornflower. Like Karnaphuli, the Halda River is also affected by pollution. Apart from this, the river is facing destruction due to encroachment and other human-made obstacles. The river is losing its heritage due to encroachment, filling, and pollution. The Sangu river, known as the ‘Amazan of Bengal’, has also been flooded and encroached upon. The Ichamati River in traditional Rangunia is also plagued with the same problem. Meanwhile, there are 60 rivers in Chittagong Division. Among the rivers of Chittagong Division, the length of Karnaphuli is 161 km and the length of Halda is 106 km.
