Garbage, waste pollute Karatoa river in Bogra

Our Correspondent
BOGRA, July 21: Unabated disposal of garbage and liquid wastes from the local mills and industries into the water of the Karatoa river are polluting the river water and its adjacent areas in the district.
Human and domestic wastes from the nearby residential areas, industries, business centres and construction sites are being disposed into the river without any treatment that is polluting water on high scale for the last few months.
When visited, this correspondent found that Razabazar, Fotteali bazar, Chelopara, jail ghat, Madhu Majhira, Maltinagar and SP Bridge area show a disturbing scenario of sheer carelessness.
People were seen throwing garbage and leftovers of hotels and restaurants on the riverbank. Besides, garbage from the same sources are being dumped on the banks of the river, which might get mixed with water in the ensuing monsoon only to double the trouble, sources concerned warned.
Almost two kilometres of area consisting north and south sides of the Fotteali Bridge was seen covered with plastic bottles and other discarded materials, coconut and betel nut shells, medical wastes and rotten vegetables.
A poor town dweller Hasan Ali who used to take bath in the river, said, "We are to take bath here, although the river water is polluted, but we have no option."
"People are suffering from various water-borne diseases by using this polluted water." he added.
The concerned authority said that the water of Karatoa River is being polluted quickly by human activities and the sedimentation rate is increasing day by day so locals must come forward to eradicate the problem sharply.
When contacted municipality mayor Advocate Mahbub said, "We have arranged seminars, press conferences and asked the related organisations over the issue. But no effective steps were seen yet."
"We have taken decision to aware nearby people about the importance of environment and not to dispose wastes into the river," he added.
Director of Department of Environment said, "A lot of people who use Karatoa's water on a regular basis, are at a serious risk of contacting various types of diseases, including kidney and stomach ailments, skin diseases and hookworm infections."
"The water contains harmful bacteria that can cause potentially fatal diseases like cancer, tuberculosis and leprosy," he added.
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