Rajshahi: City waste, including toxic materials from factories and hospitals, is polluting at least five rivers across the district once flowed with clear water. Swaramangala, Barahi, Nabaganga, Barnai, and Hoja rivers, along with at least six adjacent wetlands, are now filled with black, waste-contaminated water. Besides affecting the livelihoods of local residents dependent on the rivers, the pollution poses serious health hazards. Many people are suffering from water-borne and skin diseases due to the impact of pollution, while its spread into agricultural land is also threatening food safety.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Padma River, once known for its clear flowing water, has also turned dark as waste from Rajshahi city is being dumped into it. Relevant sources said the city’s unplanned waste management system and widespread lack of awareness are the main reasons behind the river pollution. Except for the Padma, the other five rivers are gradually turning into waste-carrying canals as they flow through and around Rajshahi city.
The Barahi River originates from the Padma, passes through areas including Baya Bazar, and merges with the Barnai River. Waste from the Swaramangala and Nabaganga rivers also eventually flows into the Barnai River in the Baya area of Paba upazila. At the confluence, black water covered with floating plastic, polythene, and chemical foam can be seen. Locals claim the pollution is spreading as far as the Chalan Beel in Natore.
All the city’s wastewater and medical waste flow into the Barnai River like a narrow canal. In 2023, the LGED referred to part of this channel as the Pakuria Canal and constructed a 24-metre bridge at Baya Afinepalpara. Under the bridge, black wastewater mixed with toxic chemicals and white foam was seen flowing into the Barnai River, emitting a strong foul odour.
Researcher Mahbub Siddiqui recalled the Barahi River as a lively waterway, now reduced to a drainage channel. Farmer Mozammel Haque highlighted the loss of aquatic life, with pollution causing the death of fish, snails, mussels, and even snakes.
The Swaramangala River flows along the eastern side of the city, passing between RUET and Rajshahi University before merging into a beel and later becoming the Hoja River. Near the Barnai River in Paba upazila, wastewater is seen entering beside the Nowhata cremation ground. Children are often seen playing in the polluted water. Local fisherman Suman Halder mentioned diseases like ringworm and eczema resulting from contact with the water.
Rizia Bibi from Puthiapara developed skin disease after using the water, with her family members experiencing similar symptoms. Mustafa Sarkar Bijli, president of the cultural organisation “Bachar Asha”, emphasized the importance of protecting these rivers, warning that crops irrigated with toxic water could harm consumers.
River researcher Mahbub Siddiqui noted the transformation of once vibrant rivers into waste channels impacting aquatic ecosystems. Dr Md Asaduzzaman, Health and Family Planning Officer of Paba upazila, reported numerous cases of skin diseases from river water use. District Civil Surgeon SIM Raziul Karim stated that awareness campaigns are underway to discourage using polluted river water.
Sheikh Mohammad Mamun Dollar, Chief Conservancy Officer of Rajshahi City Corporation, stressed the need for a wastewater treatment plant. Dr A N M Bazlur Rashid, Commissioner of Rajshahi Division, mentioned a proposal sent to the ministry for installing a water treatment plant, with work to commence upon approval.