Kaptai Lake in death throes

It is disturbing to note that Kaptai Lake, the biggest man-made lake in Bangladesh, is heading for a tragic end as sediments fill up its bottom and waste materials continue to pollute it every day. According to a report of this newspaper yesterday, the 688-square-kilometre lake, created by damming the Karnafuli River in Rangamati for hydroelectricity in 1960, is considered one of the biggest sources of sweet water fish in the Chattogram Hill Tracts region. It has been providing livelihood for a large portion of the local population through tourism, fishing, transportation and much else.

According to environmentalists, pollution and the use of pesticides are instrumental in the decline of the water body. The lake is bearing the brunt of waste and oil from the launches and boats, garbage dumped by people living on its edges daily. The lake has never been dredged in 59 years resulting in the decline of water holding capacity. The lake needs urgent dredging but according to experts dredging is not a permanent solution. But dredging can be undertaken for the primary remedy. If needed, long time measures should also be considered.  

 There was a time when abundant fish catches in Kaptai Lake would bring dividends and meet the gourmets’ desire. Those days are gone. One of the prime reasons for decline in fish production is the increasing pollution of the lake's water. There are some locally influential people who are involved in activities to imperil the existence of the lake. Grabbing of the lakeshore is going on with impunity. Besides, structures are being constructed expediting the lake's pollution and shrinkage. In fact, the lake is now a pale shadow of its former self. If stringent measures are not taken, the lake might meet the fate of a declining entity of fish resources.

It is an alarming situation that calls for urgent and effective measures. It is the right time for the authorities concerned to protect Kaptai Lake from the scourges of pollution, encroachment and siltation. It is imperative to keep the lake under round the clock surveillance.  The environmental and ecological activists of the area should be proactive to sensitise the people. Creation of awareness can help a lot in this regard.  

 

 

 

Kaptai Lake in death throes

It is disturbing to note that Kaptai Lake, the biggest man-made lake in Bangladesh, is heading for a tragic end as sediments fill up its bottom and waste materials continue to pollute it every day. According to a report of this newspaper yesterday, the 688-square-kilometre lake, created by damming the Karnafuli River in Rangamati for hydroelectricity in 1960, is considered one of the biggest sources of sweet water fish in the Chattogram Hill Tracts region. It has been providing livelihood for a large portion of the local population through tourism, fishing, transportation and much else. According to environmentalists, pollution and the use of pesticides are instrumental in the decline of the water body. The lake is bearing the brunt of waste and oil from the launches and boats, garbage dumped by people living on its edges daily. The lake has never been dredged in 59 years resulting in the decline of water holding capacity. The lake needs urgent dredging but according to experts dredging is not a permanent solution. But dredging can be undertaken for the primary remedy. If needed, long time measures should also be considered. There was a time when abundant fish catches in Kaptai Lake would bring dividends and meet the gourmets desire. Those days are gone. One of the prime reasons for decline in fish production is the increasing pollution of the lakes water. There are some locally influential people who are involved in activities to imperil the existence of the lake. Grabbing of the lakeshore is going on with impunity. Besides, structures are being constructed expediting the lakes pollution and shrinkage. In fact, the lake is now a pale shadow of its former self. If stringent measures are not taken, the lake might meet the fate of a declining entity of fish resources. It is an alarming situation that calls for urgent and effective measures. It is the right time for the authorities concerned to protect Kaptai Lake from the scourges of pollution, encroachment and siltation. It is imperative to keep the lake under round the clock surveillance. The environmental and ecological activists of the area should be proactive to sensitise the people. Creation of awareness can help a lot in this regard.