No landfill even after 156 years

For years, garbage from Kumarkhali Municipality in Kushtia has been dumped on both sides of the Kushtia–Rajbari regional highway along a 500-metre stretch, due to the absence of a designated landfill site.

The waste emits an unbearable stench, causing serious inconvenience to commuters and local residents.

Even after 156 years since its establishment, the municipality has yet to develop a proper landfill site for waste disposal.

Experts say such open dumping poses significant health risks, pollutes the environment, and degrades cropland.

During a recent visit, this correspondent observed people travelling on foot or in light vehicles covering their noses with masks or handkerchiefs to avoid the foul odour.

Md Khokon, a rickshaw-van puller, said, "The stench is so unbearable and stomach-churning that unless I cover my nose, I end up vomiting."

Montu Sheikh, an auto-rickshaw passenger, said, "Earlier, the garbage used to be dumped in different nearby shoal areas. For the past several years, it has been dumped here. The garbage contains raw waste that rots in the open, causing a foul smell that can be felt from half a kilometre away."

Local farmers said during the monsoon, the waste is washed into adjoining agricultural land, damaging crops and degrading soil fertility.

Residents also complained that children in the neighbourhood often suffer from various diseases.

Asked about the health risks of open waste dumping, Hossain Imam, resident medical officer at the 250-bed Kushtia General Hospital, said, "Prolonged proximity to such waste dumping sites may allow various toxic substances and pathogens to enter the body. This can lead to a range of health complications, from bronchitis and pneumonia to even cancer."

Contacted, Md Akramuzzaman, assistant engineer of Kumarkhali, said waste is being dumped there as the municipality does not have its own land for disposal.

"The previous upazila nirbahi officer made efforts to establish a landfill on vacant land across the river but was forced to abandon the plan following protests by locals. We have sent letters to the ministry concerned seeking allocation in this regard and have received no response," he said.

Farzana Akhtar, UNO and administrator of the municipality, said she would look into the matter and take necessary measures.