When industrial waste ends up in a river unfiltered, it is safe to say that the river's days are numbered. The government allows factories to be built for the betterment of the country. But most factories are built near rivers, because that way it is easier for the factory managers to dump the waste and harmful substances into them.

As the leather industry has been shifted to Savar, the factories are now polluting Dhaleshwari river, after having nearly destroyed Buriganga. A central effluent treatment plant (CETP) is supposed to filter all waste materials, but the plant is not working round the clock due to electricity shortage. It does not even refine all harmful substances.

We urge the authorities to take quick steps to save Dhaleshwari before it is too late. By ensuring electricity in the industrial area and persuading the plant managers to filter all harmful substances, irrespective of the cost, the government may be able to save Dhaleshwari from being consigned to the same fate as Buriganga.