Raihan Siddique Jashore
On average, 80 tonnes of waste are generated daily in Jashore municipality, most of it from households.
However, due to the absence of a proper modern system for removal and processing, much of this waste has been left lying for extended periods along narrow lanes and main roads.
In some places, overflowing dustbins spill rotting rubbish onto the streets, while in others the roads themselves have effectively become permanent dustbins. This results in foul odours in the air and pollutes the surrounding atmosphere.
Consequently, not only is the city’s natural balance and aesthetics compromised, but around 4,50,000 residents are also exposed to serious health risks.
Although the theme of this year’s World Environment Day is “Inspired by nature. For the climate. For our future”, the reality in Jashore is starkly different.
At Railroad CSB interaction, piles of waste were seen along the roadside past 10am. This is not an unusual sight but part of everyday life for local residents.
Locals expressed strong frustration, saying that because dustbins are not emptied on time and sufficient dustbins are not provided in many areas, people are forced to dispose of waste indiscriminately.
A passerby, Hasibur Rahman, said, “This dustbin is in very poor condition. There is a mosque nearby, and when we come out of prayer, the smell is overwhelming.”
Mostafa Molla, a local, said the crisis intensified after the municipality removed old dustbins from key points in the city.”
Saidur Rahman Molla, a professor of Environmental Science and Technology at Jashore University of Science and Technology (JUST), said that while the exterior of waste heaps is exposed to air, the interior becomes anaerobic, producing large amounts of hydrogen sulphide gas that emits a strong, pungent odour and is highly harmful to lungs.
He further warned that the decomposition of waste generates toxic chemicals that enter the drainage system as leachate, which then contaminates the streets and comes into direct contact with humans.
These toxins eventually enter the food chain.
The municipality workers carry out this hazardous work without basic safety equipment. Speaking with workers on Bejpara Main Road and at Golgulla intersection, it was known that their work environment is extremely difficult.
One cleaner lamented, “For this work, we need boots, gloves and masks. But the municipality provides nothing. We have no choice but to handle the waste with bare hands. This job is compulsory because it is our livelihood.”
Regarding workers’ safety equipment, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Syed Morad Ali said that while equipment is provided, workers do not use it comfortably.
To tackle the waste problem, he mentioned the introduction of a ‘door-to-door’ collection model using vans, already implemented in seven wards, with plans to extend it to the remaining two wards shortly.
