Chattogram, Feb 17 (V7N)- Chattogram city generates an estimated 5,180 tons of waste daily, amounting to nearly 1.89 million tons annually, according to World Bank data. However, despite the Chattogram City Corporation (CCC) collecting 913,000 tons of waste in the 2023-24 fiscal year, nearly 1 million tons of uncollected waste is still finding its way into the city's drains, canals, and ultimately, the Karnaphuli River.

The government has already initiated a comprehensive master plan to tackle pollution, navigability issues, and illegal encroachments in the Karnaphuli River. However, the unchecked flow of waste into Chattogram’s waterways threatens the effectiveness of Tk 14,500 crore flood control projects, raising concerns about their long-term sustainability.

The Chattogram Development Authority (CDA) and the 34 Engineer Construction Brigade of the Bangladesh Army are currently working on an Tk 8,626 crore project to re-excavate and renovate 36 canals. However, indiscriminate dumping of waste by residents, coupled with CCC’s inefficiencies in waste collection, is repeatedly clogging these canals, undermining the project’s impact.

Experts emphasize the need for strict enforcement of waste disposal laws and raising public awareness regarding proper waste management practices. Dr. Muhammad Rashidul Hasan, a professor at Chittagong University of Engineering & Technology (CUET), warned, "If waste management is not streamlined, these projects will be ineffective, resulting in nothing but a massive waste of public funds."

CDA’s Executive Engineer Ahmad Moinuddin stated that sluice gates are being constructed at canal and drain outlets to mitigate waterlogging. However, he admitted that without improved waste management, these projects would fail to provide a long-term solution.

Additionally, CCC’s door-to-door waste collection efforts remain inadequate, allowing around 5,000 tons of waste to end up in the Karnaphuli River daily, further reducing its navigability and exacerbating pollution levels.

Officials and urban planners stress the urgency of strict monitoring and effective waste management to ensure the success of ongoing flood control projects and prevent further environmental degradation.

END/ABZ/AJ