Bogura faces disposal crisis in absence of modern waste management
Most of the waste is indiscriminately dumped across the town and into the Karatoya River, resulting in severe environmental pollution
Highlights:
- Bogura generates 300 tonnes of waste daily
- Existing dumping sites overwhelmed
- Most waste dumped across city, Karatoya River
- Experts warn long-term environmental, health risks
- Large project needed for modern waste management
The lack of a modern waste management system has left Bogura Municipality exposed to severe environmental pollution, putting public health in jeopardy.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
Most of the waste is indiscriminately dumped across the town and into the Karatoya River, causing severe environmental pollution.
As the largest municipality in Bangladesh by area, Bogura generates at least 300 tonnes of waste daily.
According to municipal sources, until 2007, neighbourhood dustbins served as waste collection points. These were later replaced with mobile dustbins managed by Community-Based Organisations (CBOs) under a development project.
This initiative aimed to establish a sustainable waste management system, including composting, biogas production, and energy generation.
However, none of these plans were materialised due to the absence of a modern waste management facility.
A visit to transfer stations revealed open dumping practices, with waste spilling onto roads.
Although Bogura Municipality operates 20 trucks for waste removal, dumping sites at Baghopara and other locations are overwhelmed, further intensifying the problem.
The haphazard waste dumping negatively impacts residents, biodiversity, and water quality. Frustrated residents have voiced their concerns.
Marufa Akter Rina, a local student, said, "Practically half of Bogura Station Road is a garbage dump. The smell is unbearable, but no one takes responsibility. Those in charge ride in cars, so the stench does not reach them."
Experts warn of long-term environmental, health risks
Professor Md Abdul Hai of Bogura Government Azizul Haque College stated that improper waste disposal spreads pollutants across roads, water bodies, and agricultural lands.
He explained, "This pollution harms beneficial soil microorganisms, threatens pure drinking water, and increases risks of waterborne and skin diseases, undermining the town's livability."
Environmental specialist Md Atiqur Rahman Mallik highlighted that waste pollution harms biodiversity and can lead to fatal diseases over time.
"The effects are not immediately visible, making it harder for people to understand the severity," he said.
Ziaur Rahman, general secretary of Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon's Bogura branch, criticised the failure to implement a waste recycling system.
"In 2019-20, a Tk350 crore project proposal from the Netherlands for waste recycling was not executed," he lamented.
Nazmul Haque, executive engineer of the Water Development Board, Bogura, confirmed ongoing discussions with municipal authorities regarding river pollution.
While authorities claim to be addressing the issue, no visible progress has been made.
Bogura Municipality Administrator Masum Ali Beg said, "I have prohibited dumping waste into the Karatoya River and decided on an alternative dumping site. A large project is necessary to establish modern waste management, and we aim to keep the environment pollution-free."
Despite its 147-year history, Bogura Municipality's lack of a modern waste management system continues to impact the residents and endanger the environment.
