Unplanned waste disposal by Cumilla City Corpn causing health hazard

CUMILLA, Aug 20: Sufferings of people in Zakunipara area of Cumilla Sadar have mounted due to unplanned waste disposal by the city corporation.

Around 30,000 people of 15 villages - Zakunipara, East Zagannathpur, West Zagannathpur, Khamarpara, Krishnapur, Daulatpur, Suara, Bazgodda, Lampur, Gilatoli, Zaluapara, Songraish, Razmongolpur and Arannapur - have been living in an unhealthy environment.

A good number of locals said people are suffering with diarrhoea, asthma, skin disease and many other air pollution related diseases frequently.

The waste dumping station is situated on two acres of land which is sufficient for 27 wards. As a result, wastes are thrown into nearest area or by the side of the Cumilla-Bibirbazar road.

Bad odour, mosquitoes and flies vitiating the environment near the dumping station thus causing health hazard to the nearby people.

Nurul Islam and Abul Kalam Azad, tea-stall keepers of Zakunipara area said, "People don't come to our shops because of bad smell."

Bacchu Mia of Zakunipara village said, "We cannot say our prayers properly due to bad smell of the dumping station. The problem takes a serious turn in the rainy season."

Mayor of Cumilla City Corporation Md Monirul Hoque Sakku said some steps have been taken regarding the waste dumping zone.

"We have already signed a contract with JICA and SEAl. They will expand the area and will set up modern machines to recycle the wastes and make fertiliser and gas from it", he said, adding, "We hope that the process will start from November and the inhabitants will be relieved of the bad smell."

[email protected]