Staff Reporter :
Industrial workers were deployed on Sunday in a high-stakes cleanup operation aimed at reducing the mounting pollution in the Buriganga River, one of Dhaka’s most vital waterways.
While the initiative, launched under the interim government’s recent ban on polythene, aims to tackle the worsening environmental crisis, it has raised serious concerns among environmentalists and local residents.
The workers, under the initiative of the interim government, were deployed as part of an emergency cleaning drive following the recent ban on polythene.
While the move is part of a broader effort to combat the growing environmental degradation of the river, the scale and manner of the cleanup have raised alarms among environmentalists and local residents.
The Buriganga River has long been plagued by severe pollution, primarily due to the unchecked disposal of industrial waste, household garbage, and polythene bags.
Despite the recent ban on polythene in an attempt to reduce the environmental impact, experts say that the scale of contamination in the river requires more systemic and long-term solutions.
The government’s decision to deploy industrial workers for a cleaning operation is seen as an urgent response to the problem.
The workers were seen hauling large quantities of waste from the river, including plastic debris, discarded polythene bags, and other harmful materials.
However, the manner in which the cleanup was conducted has raised several concerns.
Environmental activists have pointed out that while the immediate removal of visible waste is necessary; the lack of proper waste management systems and treatment facilities continues to undermine these efforts.
Additionally, some workers were seen disturbing the riverbed and wildlife habitats, which could lead to unintended environmental harm.
The lack of coordinated planning, such as waste disposal infrastructure, has led to situations where collected debris is being left in nearby areas, potentially creating new pollution zones.
Some residents also voiced their concerns about the potential health risks posed by workers handling toxic materials without adequate protection.
Environmental organisations and local activists have called for more sustainable and strategic solutions to address the pollution in the Buriganga River.
They stress that cleaning operations should not be limited to one-time events but need to be part of a broader, more comprehensive environmental policy that includes waste reduction, recycling initiatives, and stronger enforcement of pollution control regulations.
As the cleanup operation continues, questions remain about the long-term impact and effectiveness of these efforts.
The interim government’s plan to enforce the polythene ban is a step in the right direction, but experts argue that it must be backed by more robust infrastructure and community involvement to truly protect the Buriganga River and the environment at large.