The filling of a large swathe of a wetland in Khulna city's Khalishpur area to make way for a housing project is totally unacceptable. Such actions not only harm biodiversity but also exacerbate the risk of flooding in the area. A photo published on the front page of this daily on January 14 clearly shows how the wetland has been overtaken by unauthorised construction projects that lack approval from the Khulna Development Authority (KDA). Unplanned development of this kind is a major driver of shrinking agricultural lands and wetlands in the country, with devastating long-term consequences.

But we cannot blame private developers alone. The KDA—responsible for overseeing development including by assessing environmental impacts of any housing project and enforcing legal measures against unauthorised construction—has also failed to act against their violations. The government must investigate why the KDA has not taken action against the developers flouting the law and harming the environment.

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Stop illegal extraction of natural resources

We have recently come across another case of environmental degradation that is also quite troubling. It involves the 11-kilometre-long Bhola canal, once a vital waterway for trade and irrigation, which is now in distress due to unchecked encroachment and pollution. The canal has lost its flow over the past six years, and as a result, local businesses are struggling. Traders are reportedly incurring additional costs in transportation due to the loss of its navigability, while the time required for transporting goods has also increased drastically. Furthermore, with the canal's water levels being reduced to just two feet, about 2,000 hectares of farmland in the Sadar upazila have been left with without adequate irrigation, jeopardising livelihoods in the region.

Given the gravity of all such degradations, we cannot afford to ignore the environmental and social costs of unplanned development and waterbody encroachment. The interim government must launch a thorough investigation into why public agencies tasked with environmental and development oversight are failing in their responsibilities. It is also imperative to adopt a broader, more sustainable approach to development that accounts for the long-term consequences of neglecting environmental concerns. We urge the government to demonstrate greater commitment to preserving our natural resources.

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