Dhaka lost 60pc wetlands in 30 years: Study

Quoting a study, environment expert Dr Shahriar Hossain yesterday said more than 60 percent of wetlands in Dhaka city have been lost in last 30 years.

"In 1968 there was 130 acre of wetland in Dhaka, only 63 acre remained in 2001, by now the city has lost more than 60 percent," he told the news agency, mentioning a study conducted by Space Research and Remote Sensing Organization (SPARSO), Bangladesh.

Dr Hossain is the vice-president of World Alliance for Mercury Free Dentistry and the Secretary General of Environment and Social Development Organization (ESDO).

"Commercial and residential development, road construction, illegal land grabbing including mosquito control activities are the prime reasons of wetland loss," he said.

Wetlands play a number of roles in the environment, principally water purification, flood control, and shoreline stability.

Conservation of wetland ecosystems is essential for fresh water supply, preserving biodiversity and ensuring other services necessary to the health, said the expert.

Syed Marghub Murshed, former environment secretary and chairperson of ESDO, stressed youth engagement in preserving wetland for addressing the future challenges of climate change and building a sustainable and prosperous future.

The experts stressed on the engagement of all actively in the wider environmental movement and the preservation of wetlands, one of the many challenges of climate change adaptation.