The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Dhaka

Environmentalists yesterday expressed grave concern over the pollution of the river Shitalakkha and urged the government to take immediate steps to stop the sources of contamination and enhance flow of water to save the river, and keep the capital city habitable as well.

They expressed the anxiety during a field visit to the Demraghat and Kanchpur section of the polluted river onboard a boat.

About a two-hour visit of the environmentalists, accompanied by a team of newsmen, was not pleasant at all as the blacking water of the Shitalakkha was spreading bad odour, failing to bear with the magnitude of pollution it has been exposed to for year after year.

Chemical wastes from mills and factories, and discharges, including human excreta, from sewerage lines are pouring into the river round the clock causing serious contamination of water.

Yet, poor people living along the riversides were seen taking bath and washing clothes and utensils in the water of the Shitalakkha as they do not have alternative options.