Rajshahi, Oct 14 (V7N) – Out of 14 municipalities in Rajshahi, 13 lack designated dumping stations for solid waste. As a result, garbage is often discarded in open spaces, drains, ponds, or rivers, leading to severe environmental pollution and increased risk of diseases.

Local residents and experts have raised concerns that inadequate modern waste management is creating significant public health and environmental challenges.

Reports indicate that waste from Nohata municipality is dumped into the Barnoi River, which also receives garbage from Bagmara and Taherpur municipalities. Waste from Durgapur municipality is thrown into the Hoja River, while Godagari municipality disposes of its waste at various points along the Padma River. Although solid waste from Katakhali municipality is deposited at the City Hat landfill, much of the garbage ends up in drains in the Katakhali market area, causing waterlogging. The most alarming situation is in Bagha municipality, where waste is being dumped into the pond of Shahi Mosque despite the presence of a designated disposal site.

Local resident Shahidul Islam highlighted the foul odor from pond dumping and the heightened risk of skin diseases and diarrhea. He also noted that waste disposal in open areas and drains contributes to waterlogging and increases the prevalence of mosquitoes, raising the potential for disease spread. School teacher Sakila Khatun expressed concern over environmental pollution and microbial contamination caused by garbage dumped into the Barnoi River.

Dr. Asaduzzaman, Upazila Health Officer of Bagha, emphasized that waste-related air pollution increases the risk of skin diseases, diarrhea, asthma, lung cancer, and heart disease. Assistant Director of the Department of Environment, Kabir Hossain, also acknowledged the direct and indirect health hazards caused by poor waste management.

Although several projects worth nearly Tk 6 crore are underway to establish modern waste management systems in Katakhali, Taherpur, Bagha, and Godagari municipalities, their implementation has been hindered due to land acquisition issues and administrative challenges. Dustbins, vans, vacuum tugs, and other equipment purchased at significant expense remain unused, exposed to the elements, and are at risk of deterioration. Despite municipalities spending approximately Tk 2 crore annually on waste management, the ground reality remains far from satisfactory.

Authorities have been urged to accelerate proper implementation of waste management initiatives to prevent further environmental degradation and safeguard public health.

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