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Perceptions of Urban Pollution of River Dependent Rural Communities and Their Impact: A Case Study in Bangladesh

Author

Listed:
  • Dibash Deb

    (Department of Oceanography, University of Chittagong, Chattagram 4331, Bangladesh)

  • Petra Schneider

    (Department for Water, Environment, Civil Engineering and Safety, University of Applied Sciences Magdeburg-Stendal, D-39114 Magdeburg, Germany)

  • Zawhar Dudayev

    (Department of Environmental Science and Disaster Management, Daffodil International University, Dhaka 1207, Bangladesh)

  • Arian Emon

    (Department of Political Science, Jagannath University, Dhaka 1100, Bangladesh)

  • Songa Scholastica Areng

    (Department of Film and Media Studies, Jatiya Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam University, Mymensingh 2220, Bangladesh)

  • Mohammad Mojibul Hoque Mozumder

    (Fisheries and Environmental Management Group, Helsinki Institute of Sustainability Science (HELSUS), Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland)

Abstract

This study considers the Old Brahmaputra River, Bangladesh, as a case study regarding community perceptions on urban pollution and its impact on rural communities. In doing so, in-depth individual interviews ( n = 195), key informant interviews ( n = 7), and focus group discussions ( n = 7) were conducted by emphasizing different perspectives on urban pollution and its effects on people related to losses of fisheries resources, agricultural production, human health, and livelihood transformation. The findings illustrate that poor urban solid waste management and direct sewage discharge degrade rivers daily. The most vulnerable rural communities are directly dependent upon the river, including fishermen, farmers, and boatmen. Specific measures such as an effluent treatment plant should be established near the river, and households and commercial drains should be cut off from the direct connection with the river. Alternative income-generating activities for the stakeholders are suggested to safeguard the river from urban pollution and the wellbeing of the stakeholders.

Suggested Citation

  • Dibash Deb & Petra Schneider & Zawhar Dudayev & Arian Emon & Songa Scholastica Areng & Mohammad Mojibul Hoque Mozumder, 2021. "Perceptions of Urban Pollution of River Dependent Rural Communities and Their Impact: A Case Study in Bangladesh," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(24), pages 1-27, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:24:p:13959-:d:704865
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Gail Whiteman & D. René de Vos & F. Stuart Chapin & Vesa Yli‐Pelkonen & Jari Niemelä & Bruce C. Forbes, 2011. "Business strategies and the transition to low‐carbon cities," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 20(4), pages 251-265, May.
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    Cited by:

    1. Wenqing Song & Shizhuo Wang & Jiang Zhao & Shiliang Xu & Xuefei Zhou & Yalei Zhang, 2023. "Comprehensive Treatment for River Pollution in a Coastal City with a Complex River Network: A Case Study in Sanya, China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(8), pages 1-15, April.

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