We are dumbfounded by the plan of Chattogram Wasa to withdraw 14 crore litres of water from Halda river daily for use in an economic zone. Wasa has already been extracting 18 crore litres of water daily from Halda which is impacting the river badly and further withdrawal of 14 crore litres would mean that around one third of total water flow of the river would be withdrawn in the dry season. This will definitely be disastrous for the river which is the lone breeding ground for natural spawning of carp fish in South Asia and also home to the endangered South Asian river dolphin. 

Dozens of sluice gates, irrigation projects, and rubber dams along 98km of the river and its tributaries have already contributed to reduced water flow of the river and it has been experiencing severe salinity for the last few years. A study by Chattogram Wasa revealed 700mg of salinity per litre of water of Halda, while the ideal level should be 600mg per litre.

Reportedly, the feasibility study done by the Institute of Water Modelling (IWM) was also questionable. Environmentalists and researchers working on this river raised doubts about the authenticity and thoroughness of the study, as they believe it intentionally evaded the risk factors facing the waterbody. The feasibility study did not focus on specific details of how much water, plankton, and micro benthic organisms are needed for brood fish to be able to lay eggs in Halda. The report also did not make it clear as to how the withdrawal of water will affect the brood fish, dolphins, and overall biodiversity of the water body.

Moreover, the IWM team did not meet local stakeholders such as egg collectors and local fisheries and administration officials while preparing the feasibility study. As per a High Court directive, a "no objection certificate" from the river commission is needed for any projects involving rivers but Chattogram Wasa has not obtained it from the commission.

Halda river is already under threat and Wasa cannot just randomly take another project to do more harm to it. The IWM must reassess the feasibility study before starting the project. There can also be alternative ways to supply water for the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Shilpa Nagar at Mirsarai, Chattogram. For example, a water reservoir can be built with streams in the Mirsarai hilly area. Rain water harvesting and withdrawing water from the Muhuri river, Mohamaya lake, and Feni river—all of which are close to the economic zone—could be other options, as experts have suggested.