The growing trend of land grabbing has put Dhaka under massive threat with at least 3,483 acres of water bodies and low lands across the capital being filled up in the last nine years, say experts.

Experts and environmentalists are becoming increasingly worried by water bodies being filled up in the name of development.

They say that it’s imperative that the government and its agencies concerned take a strong stance against the land grabbers. 

Speaking at a media briefing at the Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) office on Thursday (Apr 25), experts expressed their concerns and resentments over the issues.

They said that a number of government agencies, along with private organizations and individuals, filled in many water bodies, low-lying areas, canals, and rivers not only in and around Dhaka, but across the country.

They, however, didn’t clarify how much the government agencies is responsible for the filling and grabbing of wetlands.

Saying that filling up water bodies in Dhaka and its surrounding areas is a violation of the city’s Detailed Area Plan (DAP) they added that the government must adopt and implement strict measures ito restore the water bodies and wetlands.

Bangladesh Institute of Planners General Secretary Adil Mohammad Khan said while presenting a study that Dhaka lost 36% of its water bodies to earth filling.

He said that Dhaka district had 100,937 acres of water bodies and low lands nine years back, but 22% of them – 22,156 acres – have been filled up since then, greatly contributing to its perennial waterlogging issue.

Meanwhile, TIB Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman said that Dhaka is facing existential threat, citing the growing trend of rampant land grabbing and consequent environmental degradation.

He said that the people must raise their voices if the authorities responsible are being negligent in duty.