01 · The problem
What is happening
Dhaka is encircled by rivers including the Buriganga, Turag, Shitalakshya and Balu. Industrial effluent — historically from the Hazaribagh tannery district — together with untreated sewage and solid waste, has severely degraded water quality. Tanneries were relocated to an industrial estate at Savar from 2017, but pollution concerns there and in the rivers persist. Within the city, the loss of canals, ponds and low-lying wetlands to development reduces drainage, so heavy monsoon rain causes widespread waterlogging.
High severity. Serious, widespread effects requiring sustained action. Severity is descriptive editorial metadata summarising documented effects. It is not a measured index or a score.
02 · Causes
Why it is happening
- 01
Industrial effluent
Tanneries, dyeing and textile factories discharge chemically loaded wastewater, not all of which is treated.
- 02
Untreated sewage
Much of the city's wastewater reaches rivers without adequate treatment.
- 03
Loss of canals and wetlands
Filling and encroachment of drainage canals and retention areas reduce the city's capacity to drain rainwater.
03 · Impacts
Who and what it affects
- 01
Degraded river ecosystems
Low dissolved oxygen and toxic pollutants harm aquatic life.
- 02
Health risks
Communities using river water face exposure to pathogens and chemicals.
- 03
Monsoon disruption
Waterlogging disrupts transport and damages homes and businesses.
04 · Solutions
Documented approaches
Central effluent treatment
Operating and enforcing effective central effluent treatment at industrial estates.
Expected effectReduces industrial pollution loads when properly run.
Canal recovery and drainage upgrades
Removing encroachments and restoring canals, with improved pumping.
Expected effectRestores drainage capacity and reduces waterlogging.
Sewage treatment expansion
New wastewater treatment plants serving the city.
Expected effectLowers organic and pathogen loads entering rivers.
05 · Key indicators
What can be measured
No reliable quantitative indicator is included for this issue. TerraLens shows figures only where a credible source supports them — consult the sources below for current data.
06 · Sources
Where this comes from
- [1]Department of EnvironmentGovernment of Bangladeshdoe.gov.bd(opens in a new tab)
- [2]Bangladesh Water Development BoardGovernment of Bangladeshbwdb.gov.bd(opens in a new tab)
- [3]World Bank in BangladeshWorld Bankworldbank.org(opens in a new tab)
Links open the publishing organisation's site. Some point to the publisher's main page, where the named report or dataset can be found.