Wastes from hotels are polluting the water of the Saraswati River in Sirajganj, causing immense hazards to human health and fish resources.
Hanif Hotel, Food village, Alif Lam, Aristocrat, Rupaly hotel and Balaka hotel, to name a few, rampantly dump wastes into the river round the clock, according to local people.
Among the wastes are plastic bottles, polythene bags, one-time plastic glasses and plates, they say.
The pollution in the river might put the livelihood of fishermen in the district under threat if the pollution is not reined in immediately, they fear.
They mention that breeding of different species of fishes in the river is already affected by the pollution in Hatikumrul area of the district’s Ullapara.
Other areas of the river where wastes from hotels and houses nearby are polluting it are Choriashiker, Dhopakandi, Dadonpur, Khator Baria, they add.
Local people demand the authorities should take steps immediately to stop the pollution of the river water.
Upazila Nirbahi Officer Dewan Maudud Ahmed says he has recently visited the areas where the river water is being polluted.
The higher authorities have also been made aware of the pollution, he says.
Deputy Commissioner Faruk Ahmed says they would take all measures that are needed to save the river from pollution.
Wherever in the district does the river is polluted, they would act to stop it at any cost, he says.
