Impact of River Pollution on Human Health: A Case Study of Shitalakhya River, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Abstract

Fresh water is an essential amenity to survive. However, every year many people are directly or indirectly either dying or suffering from water-borne diseases. The main purpose of this study is to make a clear view of the pollution which is happening in Char Chanpara and how frequently the residents of that area are getting affected due to excessive pollution. Shitalakhya River and its surrounding area are suffering due to water pollution every year and now the situation is becoming worse. The polluted water from the river is infecting men, women and children in every possible way. Water is the most essential requirement to perform household chores, which are done by women and hence they are more prone to diseases caused by polluted water. Because of the poor economic status, they have no other option rather than using this water for their day to day activities. Proper initiatives by the government, awareness among people, disseminating news of this polluted river, constructing deep tube wells and availability of alternative uses of water are measured by which people can be saved from problems being caused by polluted water. This study aims to identify the causes of water pollution and how the residents of the area are affected by various types of water-borne diseases through their daily usages.