Dhaka, March 23 -- Due to unplanned industrialization and urbanization, encroachment, filling, the capital's Banshi and Turag rivers have shrunk.

As a result, there is an adverse impact on the livelihood, food system and environment of the fishermen who depend on this river. Fresh water shortage has increased.

Such an observation was made at a public hearing on the occasion of the World Water Day on Friday at Mazhir Dia village on the banks of Banshi river.

The public hearing was organized by Change Initiative, River Delta Research Center, Center for Atmospheric Pollution Studies and We Mean Green.

About a hundred Majhi family members of Majhir Dia village of Kaundia Union attended the public hearing for the protection of the river. ...