Waste dumping pollutes Kumar River at Muksudpur

GOPALGANJ, Aug 4:  Residents of Muksudpur Upazila in Gopalganj have alleged that the Muksudpur municipality has been regularly dumping solid waste into the Kumar River, polluting its water and creating environmental and public health hazards.

The Kumar, a freshwater river flowing past the municipality, has long been an important source of water for nearby communities and agriculture. Locals say the river, once known for its rich biodiversity and abundance of indigenous fish species, is now increasingly contaminated by municipal waste, making the water unsuitable for household use and creating foul odours. They also fear the waste is contributing to the breeding of mosquitoes and flies.

According to the municipality, Muksudpur Municipality was established on March 20, 2000, covering an area of 17.2 square kilometres. 

The municipality, comprising nine wards and home to nearly 31,000 people, was upgraded to a Class-B municipality in 2017.

Officials said the municipality has never had a permanent waste disposal site since its establishment. For the first several years, waste was dumped beside the Dhaka-Khulna highway. It was later disposed of at the Gopinathpur Atadanga baor (oxbow lake). At present, waste collected from different wards is being dumped into the Kumar River near Chandibardi in Ward No. 4.

The practice has drawn criticism from local residents.

Mobin Sheikh, a resident of Chandibardi village, said municipal trucks dump waste into the river every day.

"The waste is polluting the river water. Mosquitoes and flies are breeding here, and the stench has become unbearable," he said.

Businessman Rakibul Islam Konok said strong winds scatter waste across the nearby market, while rainfall causes it to rot and produce a severe foul smell.

Pedestrian Uttam Kumar said traders and commuters have been suffering because of the odour.

"We often have to cover our faces while passing through the area. There is also a school and a mosque nearby, so students and worshippers are affected as well. Many people now avoid this road altogether," he said.

Hasan Molla, a trader at Tengrakhola Bazar, said slaughterhouse waste mixed with rotten fruits and vegetables creates an unbearable environment.

"Whenever the wind blows, the smell spreads across the market. It has become very difficult to run our businesses," he said.

Mahfuzur Rahman, assistant director of the Gopalganj office of the Department of Environment, said indiscriminate waste disposal harms the environment and that different categories of waste require different management systems.

"Biodegradable waste, recyclable materials, electronic waste and hazardous medical or chemical waste all require separate handling. Municipal authorities should ensure proper waste management to protect the environment," he said.

Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Raihan Islam Shovon warned that waste dumped in open areas could spread disease-causing pathogens.

"Flies that come into contact with waste can contaminate food, increasing the risk of various diseases. Improper waste disposal also poses risks to animals and the surrounding ecosystem," he said.

Responding to the allegations, Muksudpur Municipality Administrator and Upazila Nirbahi Officer Mahmud Ashik Kabir said the authorities have received approval to establish a landfill on government-owned land.