Mounting volumes of waste from Rohingya camps in Ukhiya and Teknaf are spreading into surrounding areas with even light rainfall, contaminating farmland, canals and water bodies, and raising fears of a wider environmental and public health crisis ahead of the monsoon.
Residents say plastic, polythene, decomposable waste and polluted water accumulating across camp sites are being washed into nearby low-lying land, placing growing pressure on agriculture, biodiversity and river systems.
Despite the large amount of waste generated daily, locals and farmers say proper storage, removal and treatment remain inadequate. With the rainy season approaching, concerns are intensifying that weak containment systems could fail under heavier rainfall, worsening the impact on soil quality, crop production and community health.
Farmers say runoff from the camps is already affecting cultivation. Waste carried by rainwater is settling on agricultural land, damaging soil fertility and making farming more difficult.
Residents also question the effectiveness of waste management efforts, saying that although multiple international agencies, NGOs and WASH sector actors are engaged, coordination and monitoring gaps remain evident.
Local farmer Kamal Uddin said, “More plastic and waste now float into our fields than crops. Whenever it rains, waste from the camps flows down with the water. It is damaging the land and making cultivation difficult. We want a permanent solution.”
Environmental experts warn that unmanaged waste disposal could lead to long-term harm to ecosystems and human health. They say decomposable waste and contaminated water entering canals and ponds could increase the risk of waterborne diseases, calling for sustainable management systems, regular oversight and stronger accountability.
Advocate Jasim Azad said, “Waste from the Rohingya camps has now become a major threat to the local environment and people’s lives. Even light rain spreads the waste into farmland and residential areas. This is not just environmental pollution; it is also a serious public health risk. Without urgent action, the situation could go out of control.”
Local government representatives echoed similar concerns. Rajapalong Union Parishad member Engineer Helal Uddin said, “There has long been a lack of coordination in managing waste in the camps.
Although various organisations are working, local people are not seeing the benefits. During rainfall, waste flows into agricultural land, causing losses for farmers. The issue needs serious attention from the authorities.”
Palongkhali Union Parishad chairman M Gafur Uddin Chowdhury said, “People living around the camps are now facing environmental pressure as well as waste pollution. Waste is continuously accumulating in farmland, canals and low-lying areas. We want the government and responsible agencies to ensure a permanent and effective waste management system.”
The environmental strain is also extending to the Naf River, a key waterway in the region. Residents say waste from multiple camps is reaching the river through interconnected canals and natural drainage routes, including Palongkhali, Thaingkhali, Goyalmara, Chikanchhara, Balukhali, Balukhali customs and Ghumdhum canals.
Continuous dumping has led to the build-up of sediment and debris in parts of the river, reducing navigability and disrupting natural flow. Experts warn that if unplanned waste disposal continues, it could accelerate river siltation and worsen waterlogging in surrounding areas.
Plastic and polluted waste are also threatening aquatic ecosystems. Fish breeding grounds are being damaged, contributing to a decline in native species. Local fishermen say fish availability has dropped significantly, affecting their income and the local economy.
Fisherman Rashid Ahmed said, “The Naf River is not just a border river; it is a key source of environment, biodiversity and fisheries for the Ukhiya-Teknaf region. Without immediate and eco-friendly waste management in the Rohingya camps, the region could face a major environmental disaster in the future.”
She said, “Even light rainfall spreads waste and plastic from the camps into nearby canals, water bodies and farmland. This may damage soil fertility and disrupt agricultural production. In the long term, it could also negatively affect environmental balance and public health.”
She added, “Local people are already suffering in various ways. All relevant organisations must work together to take effective action quickly. Otherwise, the situation could worsen significantly during the monsoon season.”
