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Mathavanga river now narrower than canal as pollution killing it


Published : 11 Mar 2023 07:57 PM

Mathabhanga River is losing their navigability due to the toxic waste, polluting water, users and polluting environment in Sadar, Alamdanga and Damurhuda  upazilas of Chaudanga district recently.  Water Development Board is trying to get allowing a project of re-excavation of the river. 

The drains of the towns’ water are merging into the river. Water mixed with toxic chemicals in the river also has been killing all the native fish. The risk of using river water is increasing. In addition to the navigability of the river, there has been a severe environmental disaster. Residents on both sides of the river will face extreme threat if immediate action is not taken.

Once upon a time there was a close relationship with the fishermen with the river for catching fish. The scene of fishing to the rhythm of Bhatialy song was sung. But these are not seen in the river now. 

With the passage of time, the resources of the river and the delicious local species of fish have been lost. Now children cannot swim freely in the river. Farmers are unable to use river water to irrigate their crops. Animals and birds have been attacking various diseases after drinking dirty water. As a result of using rotten water, people living near the river are suffering from various water-borne diseases including itching.  

On the other hand the villagers and town dwellers complained that the poisonous smell in the river causes nausea, headache and stomach ache. It has become very difficult to live on the banks of the river.

Some villages on the banks of the river of Mathabhanga do not have a good communication system, so students and villagers including farmers with their produced crops are seen crossing the river by small boats and bamboo made bridges. 

Due to waste and encroachment the river is flooded and navigability is threatened. Illegally the influential people are occupying the banks of the river and constructing buildings, houses, shops and religious institutes.  

    Shah Alam, President of Kacha Bazaar Dokan Malik Samity of Chuadanga Boro Bazaar in the town said, there is no dustbin to dispose of waste of 120 traders. As a result, garbage has to be thrown wherever it is.

Shajahan Ali Biswas, General Secretary of Mathabhanga Andolon said, members of the organization formed humane chain, paraded main roads of the town with rally, met with local administration demanding for keeping the river water free from pollution. 

According to Water Development Board, this department has submitted a project proposal for re-excavation of the river and issued several letters for approval the project but no effect up to date. Solaiman Hoque Joarder Selun, MP of Chuadanga-1 constituency along with the department has been keeping close relation with the concerned authorities to get approval the project.   

Shamim Bhuiyan, Chief Executive Officer of Chuadanga Municipality said, the municipality has received a proposal of Tk. 5 crore from the ministry of local  

government for development of bazaar management of district town. He hopes that the work of will start soon.  

Jahangir Alam Malik Khokon, Mayor of Chuadanga Municipality said, they are trying to motivate the common people not to drop wastage into Mathabhanga.