Rayer Bazar, once a bustling neighbourhood of Dhaka, has become a daily struggle for its residents due to severe environmental pollution.
The area’s main road, heavily used by hundreds of people every day, has fallen into disrepair. Thick clouds of dust rise with every passing vehicle, while heaps of garbage line the roadside, making simple commutes exhausting and hazardous.
Parents say the situation is particularly harsh for school-going children. Residents note that constant exposure to dust and uncollected waste has triggered frequent respiratory problems, affecting both children and the elderly. Daily life has turned into a battle against pollution, with even routine errands becoming challenging.
Compounding the problem is a narrow canal running alongside the main road. Once a functional drainage system, it has now turned into a polluted waterway. The water is dark and stagnant, emitting a strong stench, while garbage floating on the surface attracts mosquitoes and other pests.
Residents fear the canal has become a hotspot for waterborne diseases, putting children at particular risk. According to the residents, children now fall sick more often than before. The water is unsafe, and it’s spreading illness in the community.
Despite repeated complaints, little has been done to address the growing crisis. Residents are urging authorities to step in, citing the need for immediate action. Their demands include rebuilding the damaged road, removing accumulated garbage, and dredging the polluted canal to restore proper water flow.
They hope such measures will improve hygiene, reduce health risks, and create a safer environment for children and commuters alike.
For the people of Rayer Bazar, the situation is not just an inconvenience; it is a threat to public health and quality of life. While urban growth continues around them, basic infrastructure and environmental care remain neglected.
Prompt and effective intervention is crucial to restore liveability and dignity to the neighbourhood, ensuring that Rayer Bazar does not remain trapped in dust, garbage, and pollution.
