Hafizur Rahman Bablu, Ullapara:

Extreme mismanagement in waste management is posing threat to the environment as well as public health in Ullapara of Sirajganj district. But, there is no one to see the matter, though it has now become a serious concern to the town dwellers.

Despite having its own waste management center, wastes are being dumped in unplanned areas of Ullapara municipality for a long time, resulting in huge piles of waste across the upazila town. These wastes are spreading stench and pathogens, which have become a major threat to the public health, experts said.

Though, the incumbent interim government’s Environment affairs Advisor Advocate Rizwana Hasan has taken several important initiatives regarding waste management to protect the environment, there is no impact of that in Ullapara due to lack of attention by the authorities concerned. As a result, the initiatives of the Advisor are not coming to help for the Ullapara residents, locals complained.

They said, about 50 acres of land was acquired for waste management in the Shrikhola area of ​​the municipality about 15 years ago. However, there are allegations that, during the reign of various mayors, soil was cut from that land and sold to a nearby brick kiln.

It is believed that, crores of taka in revenue was wasted in this way. A large size of pond has been created there as a result of the cutting of soil, from which some unscrupulous people of the municipality are making money by cultivating fish, but it is of no use in the waste management of the municipality.

On the other hand, a huge mountain of waste has been established next to the overbridge just 50 yards away from the municipal building. Pedestrians have to hold their noses due to its bad smell. Besides, water from these wastes spreads during the rainy season creating a serious health hazard.

Ali Ashraf Bhuiyan, Administrative Officer of the municipality, said, “The places where waste is seen piling up in the town will be covered up with sand immediately. At the same time, initiatives have been taken to activate the designated waste management facility in Srikola as soon as possible.”

Golam Mostafa, Waste Management Inspector of the municipality, said, “It is necessary to build large-scale waste storages near Overbridge, Shyamolipara and next to Science College in the town. If the waste is initially stored in these places and later transferred to Shrikola, it will help to protect the town environment.”

However, a major problem has arisen in waste transportation. All the waste transportation vehicles of the municipality were burnt down during the uprising on August 5. This is why, there is no available of a single vehicle in the municipality. Now, waste has to be transported only by three-wheeled vans, which is completely inadequate for the waste of about 11,000 families in the municipality.

Locals complained that the authorities have not taken any effective steps despite the problem having been going on for so long. They demand a quick and permanent solution.

Considering the situation, experts say that, a modern and long-term waste management plant is needed here now. Otherwise, both public health and the town’s environment will be threatened. They urged the attention of high-ups.