Payra river chokes under mountains of trash

The Payra River, a lifeline for the people of Amtali in Barguna, is grappling with severe pollution as municipal waste continues to be dumped directly into its waters. This alarming practice poses a grave threat to both the river's ecosystem and the health of local communities, who are increasingly suffering from foul-smelling air and waterborne diseases.

A growing environmental crisis

Amtali Municipality, established in 1998and upgraded to a first-class municipality in 2015, generates approximately 16 tonnes of waste daily. Despite spending hundreds of crores of taka on municipal development over the past three decades, authorities have failed to establish a proper waste treatment plant. Consequently, garbage is being indiscriminately discarded along the banks of the Payra River, turning it into a dumping ground.

Locals report that piles of waste, including polythene bags, food packaging, hospital syringes, glass bottles, and clinical refuse, now litter the riverbanks. The Basugi Canal, another vital water body in the area, faces similar neglect, with chips, biscuit wrappers, and medical waste floating freely in its waters. These practices not only degrade the environment but also endanger public health.

Impact on local communities

Residents living near the Payra River describe their plight vividly. Laili, a tea shop owner adjacent to the Amtali Water Development Board, lamented to Jago News, "Earlier, this place was bustling with visitors. Now, the stench of rotting garbage makes life unbearable. We rely on this river for our daily needs, but even its water has become polluted, causing stomach ailments and respiratory issues among my family members."

Mehedi Hasan Sohel, a daily wage labourer working near cargo ships along the riverbank, added, "Hundreds of workers toil here every day, unloading goods for government projects. Yet, we endure constant exposure to hazardous waste, leading to widespread stomach problems and other illnesses."

Decline in fish resources and recreational spaces

Environmental activist HM Russell highlighted the broader consequences of this pollution: "The abundance of fish in the Payra River has dwindled significantly due to contamination. Moreover, this once-popular spot for evening strolls is now shunned by residents because of the unsanitary conditions."

He emphasised the urgent need for action, warning that the absence of a waste management system jeopardizes both biodiversity and community well-being.

Local resident Md Monirul Islam echoed these concerns, urging the government to intervene swiftly:"All municipal waste is finding its way into the Payra River, choking its flow and destroying aquatic life. If immediate steps aren't taken to build a waste treatment plant, the damage will be irreversible."

Historical neglect

For nearly 26 years, Amtali Municipality has operated without a dedicated waste management centre. Former administrations, including those during the Awami League’s tenure, neglected infrastructure development despite substantial funding allocations. Municipal officials blame the former mayor for failing to secure land for waste disposal, though critics argue this excuse masks systemic inefficiencies.

Government plans for improvement

Addressing the issue, Animesh Biswas, Deputy Director of Local Government and Additional Deputy Commissioner of Barguna, outlined plans for reform: "According to government guidelines, every municipality must establish its own waste management centre. Currently, only Barguna Sadar complies with this requirement. Moving forward, we intend to acquire land and set up such facilities in all municipalities, starting with Amtali."

While promising action, Biswas acknowledged the urgency of addressing this crisis: "Pollution control is critical for safeguarding the environment and protecting human health. Our goal is to implement sustainable waste management solutions aligned with national policies."

The plight of the Payra River serves as a microcosm of Bangladesh's broader environmental challenges. Without adequate waste management systems, rivers across the country risk similar fates, threatening ecosystems and livelihoods dependent on them. Residents demand accountability from municipal authorities and swift implementation of waste treatment initiatives to restore the Payra River's health and preserve its resources for future generations.