Dr. Tuhin Wadud

For land grabbers, forest encroachers, and river usurpers, taking over waterbodies is relatively easier. There is no reason to believe that these miscreants won’t consume our waterbodies as well. As a result, day by day, the number and size of our waterbodies are decreasing.

Due to the region’s topography and climate, millions of water bodies have been naturally created in this country. These are directly connected to countless forms of life. Similarly, the soil formation in this region is also closely tied to these water bodies.

There are various reasons for the creation of water bodies. For instance, when a river flows, its width does not remain constant. In different places, it varies. The flow of water, the soil formation, and other factors determine the width that the river will create. In this way, a flowing river creates numerous deep and wide areas inside it.

When the river changes its course, the less deep and narrower parts merge with the flat land, but the deeper and wider parts remain. In some areas, these parts are called ‘Kura’ or ‘Daha’ (ponds).

Looking at the history of rivers, we can understand how diverse the rivers of this country were in the past. The Tista River, which we see today, was not present in the same place 250 years ago. The same is true for the Brahmaputra. It has changed significantly in just a few years. Considering this, it is difficult and almost impossible to determine how many times these rivers have changed course over thousands of years.

Our country experiences monsoon rainfall, which is the lifeblood of most rivers and waterbodies. There are many rivers that were formed by the monsoon rains. One such river is the Kulik River, which starts in the Thakurgaon district and flows into India. If we visit the source of this river, we can see that there is a pond where the waters from several areas converge, creating a faint current.

The history of rivers shows us how they have been constantly changing. Today’s Tista was not there 250 years ago, nor was the Brahmaputra. Over the years, rivers have undergone various transformations.

This current gradually grows as it receives more water from new areas and becomes a river. Some rivers are born from ponds, and many natural canals/streams originate this way.

In our country, even if the history of a river’s changing course over thousands of years is erased, many deep waterbodies have survived. Even if new streams are not formed in some places, they play a role in floodwater management.

Many of our waterbodies are leased out by the District Commissioner or the UNO (Upazila Nirbahi Officer). The lease is granted for either three years by the UNO and DC, or for longer terms by the Ministry of Land. For waterbodies less than 20 acres, the UNO leases them, while those larger than 20 acres are leased by the DC. The government receives a minimal revenue, usually around 25 to 30 million BDT.

River researcher Sheikh Rokon has raised concerns about this practice of leasing waterbodies for such a small revenue in a country with a multi-billion-dollar annual budget. Because of this leasing system, only a few fishermen benefit, and the larger number of fishermen lose their livelihoods.

Due to the inability of fishermen to afford fish farming, even though they officially take the lease, local political figures often end up using these waterbodies. Sometimes, non-fishermen join in the lease under the guise of a fishermen’s association. In short, leasing waterbodies has not been a wise decision.

The Cadastral Survey (CS) record lists the deep and wide parts of rivers as ponds. The authorities responsible for protecting rivers and ponds lease them out. This means leasing rivers or open waterbodies is illegal.

Waterbodies are home to countless species of domestic and wild fish, many of which are invisible to the naked eye. When waterbodies are leased out, the lessees often use chemicals to kill all the aquatic life before starting fish farming. This practice destroys not only local fish but also our biodiversity.

The number and size of ponds have decreased compared to what is recorded in the CS documents. This is due to land officials supporting encroachers. In exchange for a small amount of money, they have registered public land in individuals’ names. In some cases, even the DCs issue leases for waterbodies.

Special measures are needed for our country’s waterbodies. Despite the leasing process, the expected revenue is not achieved, and the rightful fish farmers do not get access to these waterbodies.

The authorities tasked with maintaining these waterbodies are unable to protect them for the public good. Hence, there is a need to change past decisions regarding the protection of waterbodies.

Firstly, leasing must be stopped. Secondly, waterbodies should be separated from the jurisdiction of the UNO and DC. Dedicated personnel are needed for the protection of these waterbodies, individuals who can devote their entire lives to maintaining the land and water bodies.

The responsibility for safeguarding waterbodies lies with both the government and local people. It is our collective duty to protect public property.

Dr. Tuhin Wadud Professor, Department of Bengali, Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur