The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Sirajganj

Toxic wastes out of several yarn dyeing and processing mills, without any treatment plants, has been posing health hazards for all in Belkuchi upazila, local residents said.

The wastes, they said, were polluting environment and atmosphere, causing untold suffering to thousands of people.

But, they said, there was none to listen to or attend the complaints.

Belkuchi upazila is known for its rich weaving traditions.

The famous weavers of the area directly employ about two lakh people while indirect beneficiaries would be many times more.

To take advantage of the traditional industrial base, a good number of influential people established over 100 yarn dyeing and processing mills in different villages including Tamai, Shohagpur, Garamashi, Chala, Chandangathi and Mukundagathi without installing treatment plants or proper drainage system to protect the environment.

Untreated wastes of several toxic chemical dyes randomly released into ponds and marshes make it hazardous for human beings as well as aquatic life.

The upshot is an acute crisis of pure drinking water.

Observers said that ground water has also been contaminated for which tube-wells lift only coloured water.

Skin diseases and eye infection are common in the area while many suffer from water-borne ailments, said local people.

Mukti Khatun, 35, wife of Golam Kibria of Tamai village told BSS that she developed skin disease years back following using toxic water.

She said that drinking such contaminated water made her seven-year old child gastric.

Toxic water released by the mills, people said, adversely affected fertility of hundreds of acres of cropland, causing losses to the farmers.