The water of the River Mara Baleshwar in Nazirpur upazila of Pirojpur has become severely polluted as a result of illegal waste dumping and the excessive proliferation of water hyacinth, causing significant hardship for residents of at least seven adjacent villages.

Locals said they have no alternative but to use the polluted river water for daily household needs and agricultural purposes, despite the foul odor and potential health hazards. The affected villages include Tarabunia, Boraibunia, Samantagati, Char Matibhanga, and Dakatia under Nazirpur upazila, and parts of Chilmari upazila.

Waste and water hyacinth

During a recent visit, this correspondent found the river completely covered with thick layers of water hyacinth, locally known as kachuripana, making it difficult to even identify the water surface. Boat movement has ceased, and the stench from the rotting plants has made it unbearable to stand near the riverbanks. Residents complained that the stagnant water has turned into a breeding ground for mosquitoes, increasing the risk of diseases.

According to the Department of Fisheries, a fish sanctuary was established in the Mara Baleshwar during the 2021–22 fiscal year under the National Agriculture Technology Programme Project–2. However, locals alleged that the initiative has worsened the situation instead of improving it.

“After the sanctuary was created, fishing activities were banned, and kachuripana started growing uncontrollably,” said fishermen Niaz Sheikh and Bashar Sheikh. “Now the river is almost dead, and we are unable to use it for fishing or any other work. We demand immediate removal of kachuripana and excavation of the river.”

Elderly residents of Boraibunia village recalled that the River Baleshwar was once vibrant, with launches, steamers, and cargo vessels operating regularly. “Today, the river has lost its flow, and the stench makes it impossible to stay nearby,” one villager lamented, urging the authorities to dredge the river and restore its navigability.

Local farmers also expressed frustration, saying that the polluted water and blocked flow are threatening agricultural productivity in the region. “Our lands produce three to four crops a year, paddy, wheat, sugarcane, sunflower, and vegetables, but now we face a serious irrigation crisis,” said a local farmer.

Nazirpur Union Parishad Member Inzamul Haque Anik said, “The four-kilometer stretch of the river has become stagnant and discoloured. People are suffering from various waterborne diseases, but deep tube wells are scarce, leaving no alternative but to use this contaminated water.”

When contacted, Nazirpur Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Sazia Shahnaz Toma said, “We are aware of the situation. A four-kilometer portion of the Mara Baleshwar is covered with kachuripana. We have already discussed the issue with the District Administrator, and a plan has been taken to remove the hyacinth and dredge the river soon with local participation.”

Locals urged immediate action to clean up the river, restore its natural flow, and ensure access to safe water for the affected communities.