A major water source for over 100,000 residents has been rendered useless due to the accumulation of water hyacinths in the Subandhi canal at Amatali upazila of Barguna district.
What was once a vital channel for transporting goods and passengers has now become overgrown, turning into what appears to be a field of green crops rather than a waterway. For more than two decades, the canal's flow has been blocked, leading to severe water shortages and health hazards for the local population.
The Subandhi Canal, which stretches over 30 kilometers and flows through the Chowra, Holdia, Amatali Sadar, and Kukua unions, is crucial for meeting the water demands of surrounding communities. However, due to the unchecked spread of water hyacinths, the canal's once-pure water has turned stagnant and contaminated. The situation has made it impossible for people to use the water for daily activities such as bathing livestock or household use. The polluted water is also a breeding ground for diseases, with local residents frequently suffering from diarrhea, allergies, and other waterborne illnesses.
In 2021, the Water Development Board initiated a project to remove the hyacinths and restore the canal's flow, with a budget of Tk 2.25 crore . However, due to objections from the Planning Commission, the project was never implemented. As a result, the hyacinths continue to thrive, exacerbating the hardships faced by the local residents.
The stagnant water in the canal has also led to the proliferation of mosquitoes, flies, and snakes, making daily life unbearable for those living nearby. Local residents report that the smell of rotting plants and the insects make it difficult to sleep or even stay in their homes.
In response to the worsening situation, local authorities, including Dr. Tenmong, Administrator of the Amatali Upazila Health Complex, have expressed concerns about the spread of waterborne diseases due to the contaminated water. Dr. Tenmong warned that the polluted water could lead to further outbreaks of diarrhea and skin diseases.
The Executive Engineer of Barguna Water Development Board, Md. Rakib, confirmed that the project to clear the water hyacinths and restore the canal's water flow is still in the pipeline. He mentioned that work is ongoing on related canals and once these are completed, efforts will be made to clear the hyacinths from the Subandhi Canal.
Residents are calling on the administration to take immediate action to remove the hyacinths and restore the canal to its former condition, in hopes of alleviating the water crisis and preventing the spread of disease.
