River Degradation Impacts Local Livelihoods on Kapotaksha Waterways

An ageing boatman named Madhusudan operates on the Kapotaksha, also known as Joydev, which is a tributary of the larger river system. He notes that the river, which he views as a vital part of his livelihood, is currently shallow and clogged with water hyacinth. Madhusudan states that the river once reached much higher levels, but now the accumulation of silt and waste is severely impacting its health. He charges approximately Tk 200 per passenger for a boat ride.

The condition of the Kapotaksha is directly linked to the viability of local tourism and small-scale commerce in the region. The boatman suggests that dredging is necessary for the river to recover its former capacity. The decline in the river's health raises concerns about the long-term sustainability of water-based economic activities in the area.