Sugandha River Pollution Threatens Public Health

The lack of a designated dumping station in the Jhalakathi municipal area has turned city waste management into a severe crisis. Every day, large volumes of unmanaged garbage are dumped along the banks of the Sugandha River, posing a direct threat to the local environment and public health.

The Sugandha is a vital waterway for the Jhalakathi district. However, municipal waste deposited on its banks is now washing into the water through rainfall and tidal surges. This pollution degrades water quality and endangers aquatic biodiversity. Environmentalists warn that without the immediate implementation of a modern waste management system, the ecological damage will only worsen.

Within the city, the absence of a permanent disposal solution is taking a toll on daily life. Uncollected garbage rotting along roads, canals, and residential areas has created an unbearable stench. The untreated waste has also led to severe mosquito infestations, significantly raising the risk of vector-borne diseases for common citizens.

Addressing the situation, Jhalakathi Municipal Administrator Md. Kausar Hossain expressed helplessness over the ongoing issue, stating, "We understand the severe distress this is causing our residents. Unfortunately, the lack of suitable land and the administrative complexities of installing a permanent dumping station have made it incredibly difficult to resolve the crisis immediately."