Category: Environment

A stone crushing business along the Narsunda River in Mymensingh, Bangladesh, is raising environmental concerns. The illegal operation, running for 30 years without proper clearances, is causing dust pollution affecting nearby villages and schools. Local authorities have ordered the businesses to cease operations and vacate the riverbank. The Department of Environment is now processing clearance applications from some traders. Officials plan to conduct river demarcation surveys and evict illegal occupants to restore the river’s ecological health.READ FULL

The Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Safari Park in Gazipur, Bangladesh, has been closed since August 5 following political unrest. The closure has affected local businesses and disappointed tourists. The park suffered property damage and animal theft, with repairs estimated at Tk 10 crore. Despite the closure, new animals have been added, including an elephant and spotted deer. Officials await directives to begin renovation work and reopen the park.READ FULL

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department forecasts light to moderate rain or thundershowers across the country over the next 24 hours. A mild heatwave is affecting Rangpur, Mymensingh, and Sylhet divisions, along with Tangail, Kishoreganj, and Naogaon districts. Rangpur recorded the highest temperature at 37.5°C, while Sandwip saw 54 mm of rainfall. The monsoon is currently less active over Bangladesh and weak to moderate over the North Bay.READ FULL

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) reports that a land depression over Jashore and adjacent areas has intensified into a deep depression. Moving northwestwards, it’s causing deep convection over the North Bay and coastal areas. Maritime ports at Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla, and Payra have been advised to hoist local cautionary signal No. 3. Squally weather is expected to affect these areas. All fishing boats and trawlers in the North Bay have been advised to seek shelter until further notice.READ FULL

The Cabinet Division of Bangladesh has instructed all government offices to use alternatives to single-use plastics to control environmental pollution. This directive follows a request from the Environment Ministry advisor. Officials are urged to use eco-friendly materials like paper, cotton, jute, and glass instead of plastic items. The Bangladesh Secretariat is to be declared free from single-use plastics. The Environment Ministry has identified 17 types of single-use plastic items and banned their use in ministry offices and affiliated agencies.READ FULL

June 2023 was the hottest on record globally, marking 13 consecutive months of unprecedented heat. Climate extremes, including floods and heatwaves, have affected various regions. Ocean temperatures are also breaking records. While El Niño contributed to the heat, it’s not the sole factor. The EU’s climate monitor warns this trend highlights a significant climate shift, with global temperatures averaging 1.64°C above pre-industrial levels in the past year.Source:Daily Star

Bangladesh Meteorological Department predicts the mild heatwave affecting eight places may abate in the next 24 hours. Light to moderate rain is expected in most parts of Rangpur, Mymensingh, Chattogram, and Sylhet divisions. Rajshahi recorded Wednesday’s highest temperature at 39.6°C. The heatwave currently affects Rajshahi division and districts including Tangail, Jashore, Chuadanga, Kushtia, Magura, Lalmonirhat, and Kurigram. Source BSS

Researchers warn that millions of people dependent on Himalayan snowmelt for water face a “very serious” risk of shortages this year due to one of the lowest rates of snowfall. The snow persistence levels across the Hindu Kush and Himalaya region dropped nearly a fifth below normal, indicating significant changes in stream flows and seasonal water availability.

Large areas of the Sundarbans were inundated by tidal surges from Cyclone Remal, threatening wildlife like tigers and deer. Over 100 freshwater sources used by animals and forest officials were also submerged. In coastal Bagerhat, rivers swelled several feet above danger levels, flooding over 500 houses. Around 500,000 people took refuge in cyclone shelters as strong winds and heavy rains lashed the area. Prothom Alo