Mushtaq Ahmed Shawon :
The Shitalakshya River in Narayanganj has fallen victim to extreme pollution. Alongside the river, the surrounding environment of canals has also become contaminated. Once a source of drinkable water, the river is now heavily polluted due to toxic waste and chemicals from dyeing factories and other industries. This has led to the disappearance of fish species and numerous health problems for residents living along its banks.
Residents report that the district is home to over 450 dyeing, washing, and finishing factories, as well as more than 200 river-dependent industrial units. Most of these factories lack functional Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs), allowing their chemical waste and toxic dyes to flow directly into the river, causing catastrophic pollution.
The consequences are devastating for the local population. Once a vibrant waterway, the Shitalakshya River is now nearly dead. People bathing in the river frequently suffer from skin diseases, while its water has become unfit for any kind of use. The river’s fish population has dwindled significantly.
A visit to areas along the river reveals that waste from dyeing factories, including toxic chemicals, is discharged through canals and drains directly into the Shitalakshya River. This not only pollutes the river but also contaminates the surrounding environment. Numerous dyeing factories have mushroomed along the riverbanks, exacerbating the problem.
Environmental activists and local residents are demanding stricter enforcement of ETP usage in dyeing factories to protect the river. They have also urged government agencies to take immediate action to save the Shitalakshya.
According to the district’s environmental protection officials, actions are being taken against polluting industries. The Deputy Director of the Department of Environment stated that various factories have already been fined for pollution, and some have had their gas and electricity connections severed. The authorities are also closely monitoring ETP compliance.
Despite these efforts, officials warn that if any factory is found to be polluting the river without using ETPs, stricter measures will be taken against them. So far, 130 pollution-causing establishments in Narayanganj have been identified and penalized through fines and legal actions.
Recently, Brigadier General (Retd.) Dr. M Sakhawat Hossain, an advisor to the Ministry of Shipping, visited a BIWTA construction project along the Shitalakshya’s banks. Speaking to journalists, he emphasized the collective responsibility required to address river pollution. “This is a collaborative effort,” he said. “No single entity can resolve it alone. We are coordinating with the Department of Environment and the River Protection Commission and will extend all necessary support to them.”
Mohammad Hossain, Chairman of the Environmental Protection and Development Society, highlighted that they have been advocating for years to save the river. “We’ve submitted appeals to relevant government agencies and are urging the authorities to ensure the mandatory use of ETPs in all dyeing and river-dependent industries,” he said.
