Chandpur: Fish dying again due to contaminated water with chemicals in Meghna River
Residents of Chandpur are facing another crisis as the Meghna River is being polluted once again, causing the death of various types of local fish. The smell of dead fish is spreading in the riverside areas, creating a distressing situation for the locals. The Department of Environment has stated that an investigation was conducted in January of the current year regarding water contamination, and further investigation is required to address the recurring issue of fish deaths.
Fishermen from Satnal upazila in the northern part of the district have observed numerous dead fish floating along various locations on the banks of the Meghna from dawn till dusk. This alarming sight has caused a new wave of panic among the residents of the riverside areas. Local fishermen are unable to fish in the river as a large number of small and large indigenous fish species like Jatka, Chouya, Bele, Tengra, Punti, and Chapila are dying. The foul smell of the decaying fish has left the riverside dwellers in a state of distress. Due to the contamination, the locals are now unable to consume or use the river water. The residents are demanding a solution to the constant fish deaths and water pollution in the area.
Concerns have been raised regarding the impact of the dead fish, especially Jatka, on the availability of Hilsa in the upcoming season. Residents fear that if small-sized Jatka continue to die, it may affect the Hilsa population in the future. Palash Barman, a resident of Satnal area, expressed his worries about the deteriorating condition of the river, emphasizing the importance of the river in their lives. However, the current situation where fish are dying and toxins are spreading in the water has become a major cause for concern. The lack of proper measures being taken to address the issue has led to a continuous decline in fish populations, posing a threat to the river’s ecosystem.
Selina Begum, a resident of Dashani area, highlighted the daily dependence of the locals on the river water for various activities like playing, bathing, and household use. However, the current situation has raised concerns about the health risks associated with using the contaminated water. Fish trader Rafiqul Islam mentioned the potential economic impact of the ongoing crisis, stating that the scarcity of fish in the river will lead to increased prices in the market, affecting the livelihoods of the local community.
Local Union Parishad member, Md. Shamsuddin, expressed his distress over the situation, emphasizing the need for urgent action to save the river and the livelihoods of thousands of families dependent on it. He called for the formation of a rapid response environmental commission and punitive measures against factories responsible for polluting the river with toxic waste. The environmental activist group “Matlober Mati O Manush” also echoed similar sentiments, urging authorities to take immediate action to prevent further environmental degradation and protect the livelihoods of the local residents.
Assistant Director of the Department of Environment at Chandpur District Office, Md. Mizanur Rahman, revealed that a high-level investigation committee was formed in coordination with the Fisheries Department to probe the reasons behind the fish deaths in the Meghna River. The committee conducted a site visit and found an increase in the levels of ammonia, decreased levels of pH, and oxygen in the river water. Additionally, toxic industrial waste containing chemicals is being discharged into the river, exacerbating the situation.
While investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the recent fish deaths, the residents are still unsure of the exact reason behind the recurring problem. The community remains concerned about the deteriorating state of the river and the impact it will have on their lives. Immediate action is needed to address the pollution and prevent further harm to both the environment and the local population.