Shitalakshya River

Shitalakshya River
Shitalakhya River near Narayanganj
Location
Country	Bangladesh
City	Narayanganj
Physical characteristics
Length	110 km (68 mi)
Discharge
• location	Meghna River

Shitalakshya River (

The Shitalakshya branches off the Old Brahmaputra and flows through the eastern part of Dhaka District almost parallel to the Old Brahmaputra. It passes by Narayanganj and joins the Dhaleshwari River.^[2]

In Van den Brouck's map, the river is marked as Lecki, flowing west of the Brahmaputra. In Van den Brouck's time (1660), it was a large and swift flowing river. It was so till the early 19th century.^[3] There, however, are some reservations about the accuracy of Van den Brouck's map.

Historical importance

The Shitalakshya River was once an important center for the muslin industry.^[1] Even today, there are centres of artistic weaving on its banks. There also are a number of industrial units on its banks, including the Adamjee Jute Mills. Thermal power houses are located along the river at Palash (north of Ghorashal) and at Siddhirganj.^[1] Industrial affluent dumped into the river resulting in high levels of pollution is a cause for concern.^[5]

There is a river port in Narayanganj.^[1] Numerous launches move out along the river to different parts of Bangladesh. The government has approved construction of a container terminal on the river Shitalakhya with foreign investment.^[6]

References