Industrial Pollution Causing Humanitarian Crisis: Observations from a Site Visit and Public Rally

Industrial pollution has led to a severe humanitarian crisis, according to the leaders of "Dhoritri Rokkhay Amra" (Dhora) and Khowai River Waterkeepers. This claim was made during a site visit and public rally in the Satparia area of Madhabpur Upazila, Habiganj, on Friday.

The visit was led by Sharif Jamil, Member Secretary of Dhora, and included notable figures such as:

• Advocate Mansur Uddin Ahmed Iqbal, Founding President of Habiganj Press Club
• Renowned writer Tahmina Begum Gini
• Khowai River Waterkeeper Tofazzal Sohel
• Environmental activists Abdul Kaiyum, Bahar Uddin, Chand Sultana Chowdhury, and Anu Begum

Findings from the Inspection

The team observed alarming levels of pollution in Rajkhal and the surrounding villages. According to local residents, exposure to polluted water has led to livestock deaths and barren farmlands. The scenes depicted a heartbreaking narrative of human suffering.

The pollution in the canal has directly affected four villages, causing widespread humanitarian crises. Moreover, the contamination has spread through the Bolobhadra River and extended to the Meghna River, worsening the environmental impact.

Call for Action

Sharif Jamil stated that no industrial facility has the right to discharge untreated waste into natural canals, reservoirs, or open spaces. He highlighted that there was previously a plan to deploy a robust government team to control industrial pollution in Habiganj.

Expressing hope for immediate action, he urged the interim government to adopt effective and inclusive measures to halt the ongoing industrial pollution in Habiganj. However, recognizing the dire situation faced by the affected communities, he called on the people to unite and protest against the devastating industrial pollution.

This rally and site visit underscore the urgent need for government and public collaboration to address the environmental and humanitarian crises caused by unchecked industrial activities.