Shahariar Islam Sovon :
Shitalakshya River has been facing grim fate amid rampant pollution. Once a lifeline for the communities along its banks, the Shitalakshya River now teeters on the edge of ecological disaster.
Decades of unchecked pollution, rampant industrialization, and neglect have turned this vital waterway into a shadow of its former self. The river’s plight highlights the urgent need for comprehensive measures to combat environmental degradation in Bangladesh.
The Shitalakshya River has long been a dumping ground for industrial waste from factories in Narayanganj and its surrounding areas. Textile dyeing units, tanneries, and chemical factories are among the primary contributors to the pollution, releasing untreated effluents directly into the water.
According to local environmental groups, these industries discharge harmful chemicals, including heavy metals like lead and mercury, which not only harm aquatic life but also pose severe health risks to nearby communities.
“The river water has become unusable. Even touching it causes skin irritation,” said Shafiqur Rahman, a local fisherman. “We can no longer rely on the river for our livelihood.”
Despite existing environmental regulations mandating effluent treatment plants (ETPs) for industries, enforcement remains lax. As a result, untreated waste continues to flow unabated into the river, worsening its condition daily.
Oil tankers traversing the Shitalakshya frequently discharge waste oil into the river, exacerbating its pollution. These releases create a thin film of oil on the water surface, disrupting oxygen exchange and endangering aquatic organisms.
“The oil slicks have become a common sight,” said Aminul Islam, a resident of Narayanganj. “It’s heartbreaking to see fish floating dead because of the lack of oxygen.”
Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) officials acknowledged the issue but cite a lack of resources and manpower as hurdles in addressing it effectively. Environmentalists have called for stricter monitoring of oil tanker operations and penalties for violations to deter such harmful practices.
Sand cargo vessels ply the Shitalakshya River day and night, catering to the booming construction industry. While these activities contribute to economic growth, they also come with severe environmental consequences. The constant movement of large vessels stirs up sediment, disrupting aquatic habitats and altering the river’s natural flow.
Additionally, improper sand extraction from the riverbed has led to erosion along its banks, threatening homes and farmland. Local residents complain that the unchecked activities of sand traders are not only degrading the river but also jeopardizing their safety.
The degradation of the Shitalakshya River has had profound social and economic impacts. Fishermen, who once relied on the river for their livelihood, now struggle to make ends meet.
The polluted water is no longer fit for irrigation, affecting agricultural productivity in the region.
Moreover, the health implications for communities living near the river are alarming.
Contaminated water is linked to a rise in waterborne diseases, including diarrhea and skin infections. Doctors at local clinics report a growing number of patients suffering from ailments related to prolonged exposure to polluted water.
