Despite the construction of a sanitary landfill in Sherpur municipality costing nearly Tk10.5 crore, most of the city’s waste continues to be dumped along the banks of the Mrigi River.
Locals say the practice is severely polluting the river and threatening public health, biodiversity and the surrounding environment.
According to municipal sources, the landfill was built under the Urban Governance and Infrastructure Improvement Project (UGIIP-3) on almost three acres in the Ashtamitala area.
However, instead of using the facility fully, a large portion of the city’s waste is currently being dumped on the riverbank near Mirganj-Kaliganj, with privately owned land leased annually for this purpose.
Locals allege that municipal cleaners bring waste collected from various parts of the city to the riverbank. The rubbish includes plastics, polythene, household waste and other hazardous materials, contaminating the river and creating a foul stench in nearby areas. Road users also face significant inconvenience.
Local resident Kabir Mia said the continuous dumping has made the area’s environment unbearable, with the stench disrupting daily life. “During the rainy season, part of the waste enters the river, worsening pollution,” he added.
Another resident, Ilias Uddin, said the long-term dumping is affecting both the environment and people’s health, with visible negative impacts on river water and surrounding areas.
Pedestrian Ramzan Ali said waste-laden vehicles frequently arrive throughout the day, and piles of garbage along the road make commuting extremely difficult. “Many have to cover their nose and mouth to pass through,” he added.
Abdul Hai, another passerby, questioned why the modern landfill built at such high cost is not being used properly. “Dumping waste along the riverbank is extremely harmful to the environment and public health,” he said.
Development worker Saidur Rahman Shamim said dumping on the riverbank is unacceptable despite the designated dumping station. “Aquatic habitats are being damaged, agricultural land fertility is declining, and environmental balance is at risk. Immediate corrective action is needed,” he said.
Sherpur Municipality Social Development Officer Muhammad Sharif Uddin said waste management is a major challenge in the country. “Effective initiatives to convert waste into resources can offer a permanent solution. The municipality is working on various projects to improve the situation rapidly,” he added.
Sherpur Municipality Administrator Arifa Siddika said the volume of waste generated currently cannot be contained by the existing landfill alone, necessitating alternative sites. “We are considering public inconvenience and environmental issues carefully and will take the necessary measures for a long-term solution,” she said.
