Waste Management Crisis in Mymensingh and Environmental Risks

Due to the lack of modern waste management, environmental pollution is increasing in Mymensingh. Garbage piled up along the roadsides is spreading mosquitoes and flies, leading to a rise in dengue, diarrhea, and various infectious diseases. Mymensingh correspondent S.M. Jahangir Alam reports, with further details presented by Upoma Roy.

Foul odors have made daily life unbearable, and local residents are falling ill.

For nearly three decades, the daily waste generated from the 33 wards of Mymensingh city has been dumped in the densely populated Charkalibari Moylakanda area. In addition, hazardous medical waste from around 300 hospitals, clinics, and diagnostic centers is also being disposed of there.

“We run our businesses and try to earn our livelihood here, but we can no longer tolerate this condition. Even when we carry food from the market, the unbearable smell spreads everywhere. Mosquitoes and flies have increased so much that it is difficult to stay inside our homes. Because of the foul environment, we cannot even invite relatives or guests to our houses. If anyone comes, they leave quickly because of the odor.”

Despite years of waste dumping in this way, no effective measures have been taken. As a result, people of all ages, including children, are suffering from respiratory problems, skin diseases, and various other health complications.

“The smell is so terrible that moving around the area has become extremely difficult. Since waste is dumped openly, there should at least be some kind of enclosed system to prevent the odor from spreading. Because of this garbage, people are unable to build homes or establishments on nearby land. Even pedestrians passing through the road cover their noses and mouths because of the smell.”

Toxic gases are spreading from the foul-smelling waste at Moylakanda. Environmental activists are demanding the construction of a modern waste treatment facility to process and manage the waste properly in order to protect the environment.

“The City Corporation should pay proper attention to this issue so that waste is not dumped or burned here.”

The City Corporation administrator stated that modern plans for waste treatment have already been undertaken.

“Four modern facilities are being developed in Bangladesh. We have already allocated the area for use, created green zones, and the required systems are being brought in.”

Residents of the city hope that the authorities will take immediate steps to protect nature and the environment.