The Great Padma – Oro Editions – Publishers of Architecture, Art, and Design

Architecture

The Great Padma

“First major and comprehensive publication on the River Padma, considered the last leg of the Ganges and the river that defines the biggest delta in the world”

“In a densely populated country like Bangladesh, a deltaic lowland formed by thick layers of sediment, most rivers have a meandering flow, and spill over their banks in the rainy season. Three mighty rivers, the Padma, the Jamuna and the Meghna, which are like major arteries that supply the life blood to the body of the country, carry the most volume of water that they empty into the Bay of Bengal. They are also responsible for most of the devastation caused by floods and bank erosions every year. Most rivers in the country, like the landmass of the country itself, are works in progress. The Padma, however stands out as the most active river, noted for the massive erosion of its shoreline, its raging currents and its continually shifting channels and emerging sandbanks. These features have a profound impact on the life, livelihood, mobility and wellbeing of the people living along the river, as well as on the economy and communication of the country. It is estimated that since 1967, the Padma has devoured about 66,000 hectares of land, although the compensatory formation of large strips of sandbanks in different parts of the river has offset some of the loss.”

—From Essay by Syed Manzoorul Islam

“The book contains a rich collection of new photographs that document the magnificence and diversity of the great river, including many unpublished photographs. ”