[object Object]

The Jojnal river, once a vital artery flowing through Mirpur Bazar in Habiganj, is succumbing to a slow death, choked by a relentless tide of waste and illegal encroachment. What was once a waterway capable of accommodating large boats has been reduced to a fetid ditch, a grim testament to years of neglect and the devastating impact of unchecked pollution. The scene beneath the bypass road bridge is particularly stark, where mountains of plastic, polythene, and rotting market refuse have created an impassable barrier, effectively strangling the river's flow.

“

people have to cover their noses while passing through the area.

This environmental crisis is exacerbated by the lack of a designated waste disposal site in Mirpur Bazar, leading residents and traders to treat the river as a convenient dumping ground. Local voices, like that of Sajidur Rahman Pavel, lament the necessity of covering their noses when passing the area, highlighting the pervasive stench. Trader Zahirul Islam Tipu points fingers at local influentials who have brazenly occupied the riverbanks, constructing multi-storey buildings that have progressively narrowed the waterway over the years. Tofazzal Sohel of the Habiganj unit of Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon warns of dire consequences, stating that the river's demise will inevitably lead to the suffering of the surrounding environment and ecosystem.

“

The river is now on the brink of death. If that happens, the surrounding environment and ecosystem will also suffer.

While the Mirpur Businessmen’s Association, represented by Shamsul Haque Master, acknowledges the forced reliance on the river for waste disposal due to the absence of proper management systems, there is a glimmer of hope. Liton Chandra Dey, the UNO of Bahubal, has assured that eviction drives and legal measures will be promptly initiated upon receiving specific written complaints. Furthermore, the local administration plans to collaborate with the Department of Environment to curb further pollution. The plight of the Jojnal river serves as a critical reminder of the urgent need for integrated waste management solutions and strict enforcement of environmental laws to protect our precious natural resources.

“

Without a proper waste management system, people are being forced to dump garbage into the river.