CAUSES AND CONSEQUENCES OF RIVER POLLUTION: AN EXPLORATORY STUDY ALONG THE TURAG RIVER AREA, TONGI, BANGLADESHSHAMIMA PRODHAN, Dr. MAHBUBA NASREEN AND RAISA IMRANAbstract Turag, among all the rivers, is vital lifeblood for the metropolis of Dhaka. This study was carried out to investigate the vital causes of Turag River pollution and subsequent consequences for local inhabitants. The data for this exploratory study were gathered through qualitative analysis and a review of the relevant literature. Field visits were conducted, and relevant data were gathered through individual in-depth interviews (IDIs, N=70), focus group discussions (FGDs, N=02), and researcher observations combined with transect walk along the adjacent areas. The investigation discovered various causes of pollution in the Turag River, the two most significant of which are industrial effluents along with municipal and illegal residential sewage outfalls that release directly into the river. Likewise, abundant different types of garbage, fecal excrement, pesticides from nearby agricultural land, slaughterhouse wastes, spills from a variety of water vehicles, and other human activities such as housing projects and brickfield construction contribute to Turag water pollution. Manifest evidence has been found regarding the consequences of Turag River pollution having of dark color and perilous odor of the Turag River water; local people suffering from diseases such as allergy, skin infection, cold cough, diarrhea, dysentery, hepatitis, typhoid, respiratory problem, and various others; impact on aquatic lives, fisheries, and livestock; reduced agricultural production; shifts in occupational status; breeding ground for mosquitoes; and many more. This study provides a thoughtful perspective on the origin of Turag River pollution and its various repercussions on riverine communities. To reduce pollution from diverse sources, efforts should be made to decrease the concentration of contaminants. |