The indiscriminate dumping of municipal waste into the Kumar River by the Muksudpur Municipality in Gopalganj is polluting the water, spreading foul odours and creating serious environmental and public health concerns, residents have alleged.
The Kumar River, once known for its clear freshwater, rich biodiversity and abundance of indigenous fish species, flows through Muksudpur and supports agriculture and daily household activities along its banks. Locals say regular dumping of municipal waste has contaminated the river, making its water unsuitable for domestic use while creating breeding grounds for mosquitoes and flies.
According to the municipality, Muksudpur Municipality was established on March 20, 2000, covering an area of 17.2 square kilometres. It consists of nine wards, was upgraded to a Class-B municipality in 2017, and has a population of 30,959. Despite operating for more than two decades, it has yet to establish a permanent landfill.
Municipal officials said waste was initially dumped beside the Dhaka-Khulna highway before being shifted to Gopinathpur Atadanga Baor. It is now being transported from different wards and dumped along the Kumar River at Chandibardi in Ward No. 4, drawing criticism from local residents.
Mobin Sheikh, a resident of Chandibardi village, said municipal trucks unload garbage into the river every day.
"The waste is contaminating the river, producing a foul smell and creating breeding grounds for mosquitoes and flies," he said.
Rakibul Islam Konok, a local businessman, said strong winds scatter waste across the nearby market, while rain accelerates decomposition, making the stench unbearable.
Pedestrian Uttam Kumar said the foul smell has made life difficult for traders, residents and commuters.
"We often have to cover our faces while walking. A school and a mosque are located nearby, and students and worshippers are forced to pass through the polluted area. Many people now avoid the road altogether," he said.
Hasan Molla, a trader at Tengrakhola Bazar, said waste from slaughtered cattle, along with rotten fruits and vegetables, creates an unbearable stench.
"It has become very difficult to conduct business in such an unhealthy environment," he said.
Mahfuzur Rahman, assistant director of the Department of Environment's Gopalganj office, said indiscriminate dumping of waste severely damages the environment.
"Biodegradable, recyclable, hazardous and electronic waste require separate management. Municipal authorities must ensure proper waste management to protect public health and the environment," he said.
Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dr Raihan Islam Shovon warned that open dumping of waste could spread disease-causing pathogens.
"Flies that come into contact with waste can contaminate food and transmit various diseases. Improper waste disposal poses health risks to both humans and animals," he said.
Muksudpur Municipality Administrator and Upazila Nirbahi Officer Mahmud Ashik Kabir said the municipality has received approval to establish a landfill on government-owned land.
"We are currently identifying suitable khas land and hope to begin construction of the landfill soon. We also plan to install large waste bins in every ward of the municipality to improve waste management," he said.
