Cultivable lands in southern Bangladesh have been badly affected by saline water from the Bay of Bengal. Seawater and river water due to unplanned construction of embankments, reports the Bangladesh Observer. A survey has revealed that saline water enters Andharmanik river in Patuakhali district, although it is 46 kms away from the sea. Experts say salinity of Paira in Patuakhali and Bishkhali rivers in Barguna have risen alarmingly.