Chattogram Bureau :
Out of the three thousand tons of waste produced daily in the port city, Chattogram City Corporation (CCC) collects two thousand tons. The remaining 1,000 tonnes fell into the Karnaphuli river through the drains and canals. According to the data of the 10-year master plan prepared for the
protection of Karnaphuli, about 22 thousand metric tonnes of waste is falling into Karnaphuli daily through 23 canals of the city and surrounding upazilas.
Out of the seven canals that carry more waste, five are located in the city. Incidentally, Karnaphuli river has direct connection with 33 canals of the city. Among the wastes falling into Karnaphuli from the city are non-biodegradable wastes including polythene along with household waste. Due to these wastes, Karnaphuli is getting polluted besides losing its navigability.
Therefore, Chattogram Port Authority has repeatedly proposed to CCC and CDA to provide ‘garbage trap’ or ‘net’ at the mouth of the connection canal to protect Karnaphuli.
Even the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Shipping has suggested this. But CCC-CDA is not responding to it. They did not take any initiative in this regard.
Officials of CCC said that CDA is implementing mega projects for the development of canals in the city. So, CCC has nothing to do at the moment. Again, mega project officials say that the project does not mention net or garbage trap. So, there is nothing to be done about it for now.