News
September 09, 2025
Let’s not fill wetlands to build campuses
Bangladesh has already lost over 2,500 kilometres of haor land in just 32 years.
**Bangladesh Faces Wetland Crisis: Campus Construction Threatens Vital Ecosystems**
Bangladesh is facing a growing environmental challenge as the relentless expansion of infrastructure, including university campuses, encroaches upon its precious wetlands. Concerns are mounting over the accelerating loss of these vital ecosystems, particularly the haor lands, a unique type of wetland prevalent in the northeastern region of the country. In a stark warning, environmentalists highlight the devastating impact of land reclamation for construction, emphasizing the urgent need for sustainable development practices.
The alarming statistics paint a grim picture: over the past 32 years, Bangladesh has witnessed the disappearance of more than 2,500 kilometres of haor land. This staggering loss represents a significant blow to the country's biodiversity, flood management capabilities, and the livelihoods of communities dependent on these wetlands.
Haor lands function as natural sponges, absorbing excess rainfall during the monsoon season and mitigating the risk of devastating floods. They also serve as crucial habitats for a diverse range of flora and fauna, including migratory birds, fish species, and various aquatic plants. Furthermore, these wetlands are the lifeblood of many rural communities, providing resources for agriculture, fishing, and transportation.
The conversion of haor land for construction, particularly for educational institutions, raises serious questions about the long-term sustainability of development projects. While the need for expanded educational facilities is undeniable, experts argue that alternative locations and construction methods must be explored to minimize the environmental impact. Filling in wetlands disrupts the natural water flow, destroys habitats, and exacerbates flood risks, ultimately undermining the very communities these projects are intended to serve.
Environmental advocacy groups are calling for stricter regulations and enforcement to protect the remaining haor lands. They are urging policymakers to prioritize sustainable land use planning that integrates environmental considerations into development decisions. This includes conducting thorough environmental impact assessments before approving any construction projects in or near wetland areas, promoting eco-friendly building practices, and exploring alternative sites for development.
The future of Bangladesh's wetlands hinges on a collective commitment to responsible development. Balancing the need for infrastructure with the imperative to protect these invaluable ecosystems is crucial for ensuring the country's long-term environmental and economic well-being. Failure to do so will not only result in the continued loss of biodiversity but also increase the vulnerability of communities to the impacts of climate change and natural disasters.
Bangladesh is facing a growing environmental challenge as the relentless expansion of infrastructure, including university campuses, encroaches upon its precious wetlands. Concerns are mounting over the accelerating loss of these vital ecosystems, particularly the haor lands, a unique type of wetland prevalent in the northeastern region of the country. In a stark warning, environmentalists highlight the devastating impact of land reclamation for construction, emphasizing the urgent need for sustainable development practices.
The alarming statistics paint a grim picture: over the past 32 years, Bangladesh has witnessed the disappearance of more than 2,500 kilometres of haor land. This staggering loss represents a significant blow to the country's biodiversity, flood management capabilities, and the livelihoods of communities dependent on these wetlands.
Haor lands function as natural sponges, absorbing excess rainfall during the monsoon season and mitigating the risk of devastating floods. They also serve as crucial habitats for a diverse range of flora and fauna, including migratory birds, fish species, and various aquatic plants. Furthermore, these wetlands are the lifeblood of many rural communities, providing resources for agriculture, fishing, and transportation.
The conversion of haor land for construction, particularly for educational institutions, raises serious questions about the long-term sustainability of development projects. While the need for expanded educational facilities is undeniable, experts argue that alternative locations and construction methods must be explored to minimize the environmental impact. Filling in wetlands disrupts the natural water flow, destroys habitats, and exacerbates flood risks, ultimately undermining the very communities these projects are intended to serve.
Environmental advocacy groups are calling for stricter regulations and enforcement to protect the remaining haor lands. They are urging policymakers to prioritize sustainable land use planning that integrates environmental considerations into development decisions. This includes conducting thorough environmental impact assessments before approving any construction projects in or near wetland areas, promoting eco-friendly building practices, and exploring alternative sites for development.
The future of Bangladesh's wetlands hinges on a collective commitment to responsible development. Balancing the need for infrastructure with the imperative to protect these invaluable ecosystems is crucial for ensuring the country's long-term environmental and economic well-being. Failure to do so will not only result in the continued loss of biodiversity but also increase the vulnerability of communities to the impacts of climate change and natural disasters.
Category:
Politics