New Nation | 02 September 2022

One of the present government’s greatest accomplishments is the Padma Bridge. Every source of pollution in the area has decreased because of the Padma Bridge. Additionally, the environment’s quality has improved. Numerous types of pollutants have been observed nearby in previous years. Meanwhile, the area around here is green and clean. It has major ecological significance.
An average of 2,900 vehicles used to cross through Mawa and Bhanga every day to different districts. Due to long delays for the ferry of more than 1 million people, various kinds of packed food – mostly wrapped in polythene – were added to the diet of people in general. Per capita consumption of polyethene is 20 grams, or approximately 2 tons, or 720 tons per year. It inevitably ended in the Padma River. It was polluting the Padma River by going into the ocean. Bad residues, human faeces, urine, micro plastic and other contaminants have contaminated the surrounding water. This pollution is naturally reduced due to Padma bridge. It is expected to reduce the pollution of the Padma River and sea.
Because of the reduced 100 KM distance (total for 2900 vehicles it’s 290000 KM!), each vehicle uses 21 liters less fuel on average after the Bridge opening.  Furthermore, due to heavy traffic on the ferry, the fuel had been used more than now. Therefore, carbon emissions have been reduced now which carbon directly contributes to global warming and destroys the ozone layer. Moreover, at the same time the ferry produced a variety of harmful gases. Two banks of the Padma were being polluted at an unusually high pace due to this emission of toxic gases. With the Bridge opening, vehicles now do not need additional fuel to travel. This will result in decreased carbon emissions. The volume of the water vehicles decreased, which also results in a reduction in emanation of carbon. It ultimately impacts reducing air pollution in the surrounding areas.
The huge traffic caused by ferries causes noise pollution levels as well as fuel consumption levels. A study by the Center for Atmospheric Pollution Studies CAPS found that an average of about 1,500 horn honks were sounded at ferry terminals per hour. The sound level of each hydraulic horn is usually more than 100 dB. The horn is sounded once every two and a half seconds, with each horn lasting 1-3 seconds, so the terminal area is honked all the time. Hydraulic horns are one of the major sources of traffic noise and noise pollution, posing considerable health risks, especially to young people. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 60 decibels of sound can temporarily deafen a person, while 100 decibels can cause total deafness. Any major terminal on the Padma River like Mawa and Bhanga has been estimated to have noise levels up to 100 decibels. Now crossing the Padma River in a short time and use of horn have reduced the pollution of surrounding areas. As a result, noise pollution has been reduced here.
Diesel-powered vessels produce significant volumes of carbon dioxide and other toxic pollutants, endangering several species and human health. The Padma Bridge will reduce both the amount of air pollution and the high pressure of vessels. The long-term occupants of automobiles in the Mawa and Bhanga Ghat areas are causing water contamination on the banks of the Padma. The Padma water in the vicinity becomes contaminated by faecal coliforms due to the direct mixing of human excreta, polythene, and food waste from travellers. Without any kind of treatment, this water has been utilised in human food and drinking water.
The ecosystem that lives in the Padma basin is also at risk because of pollution, putting human health in jeopardy. The general food chain and the reproduction of aquatic resources are being hampered by other pH-related characteristics in that water. On the Padma ferry, some passengers travel in launches, trawlers, and speed boats. These extremely polluting automobiles are contaminating the water with the oil they release. Hilsa’s safety was given special concern throughout the Padma bridge’s development. The seven-meter-deep locations haven’t had any excavation work done so that hilsa eggs can be placed there.
The government’s ability to complete this enormous project while upholding international standards without harming the environment is its greatest accomplishment. Due to Padma Bridge, now there will be fewer inappropriate, unlawful, and excessively polluting water vehicles in the ghats, and water of the river will be clean. Vehicle traffic has polluted a large section of the ghat area’s soil. Passenger garbage also contributes to soil pollution in this area. Vehicle oil can leak into the ground in a variety of ways, contributing to soil pollution. As a result, the top layer of soil in this location is deteriorating. The Padma Bridge will eliminate elements that cause soil pollution, improving the area’s soil quality.
While constructing the Padma Bridge, dams were built on both banks of the river to create roadways. Erosion is no longer a problem. Both sides of this road have been greened with trees. 18838 trees were planted on slopes and BEF zones. It’s won two national tree-planting honours. Southwest residents have historically utilised wood for energy, leading to deforestation. Gas and electricity will minimise pressure to take down trees. The ecology will be preserved. This is conceivable that the inauguration of the Padma Bridge will open the door to great potential for the people of Bangladesh and its environment. After the opening of the bridge, direct communication between the people of this region and the capital will be easier. The environmental and economic impact will also increase at a positive rate. The standard of living will change.