Gazipur Correspondent

Locals have formed human chains and protested to save themselves from the toxic stench of factory waste and polluted water. Due to the polluted water, crops are not growing, and most of the people in the area are suffering from various diseases.

People from all walks of life formed a human chain and protested in Jajhar, Gazipur city, on Sunday afternoon. They drew the attention of the environmental advisor for quick relief.

Locals complained in the human chain that the Mogarkhal flows from the Bhogra bypass intersection of Gazipur city over several wards including wards 15, 17, and 32 of the city. This canal, which is about 30 kilometers long, flows under different names in different areas and ends at the Tongi canal. The canal has been a victim of pollution from its beginning. Polluted water from various factories, houses, and millets in Bhogra and Ashapash areas of the city flows through this canal. Those living along the canal have found it difficult to live due to the pungent smell of the polluted water of this canal. No crops are grown on any land on the other side of the canal. No domestic animals can be raised. In addition, children, women, men, and the general public living on the banks of the canal are suffering from various diseases. Therefore, the people of the area, who are tired of the pollution, have been forced to take to the streets.

Talking to the villagers, it is known that the canal’s pollution causes a strong stench. Although the stench is somewhat less during the day, it increases at night. A lot of mosquitoes are seen during the day and night. Dengue patients are increasing every day due to these mosquitoes. The water is so black that it is unusable. Farmers are not able to use any water from this canal even for irrigation.

Children, men and women from different walks of life, including people from different walks of life, spontaneously participated in the human chain. Labor Party leader Akhtaruzzaman Babul, Haji Mujibur Rahman, Haji Md. Nawab Ali, Abdur Rashid, Abdur Rahim, Md. Selim Mia, Abu Hanif, and others spoke at the event.