Barisal: No longer a clean city

Even though Barisal city, fondly known as the “Venice of the east”, is blessed with natural beauties and canals and is a fast growing city of the country, its splendor continues to get tarnished due to rampant garbage dumping, lack of timely collection of waste and indifference of authorities concerned regarding the issue, allege residents.

The city is being tuned into a trash destination as the corporation's staff rarely collects garbage on time and most of the trash bins remain overflowed and people keep on dumping waste on the street corners, they said.

Overflowing of garbage around the city streets, residential and important areas are not only causing untoward nuisance for the pedestrians, residents, office goers and students, it has also polluted the environment in and around the area.

During a recent visit to the city's Sadar road, Amanatgonj, Kawnia, College Avenue, and Bhatikhana areas, this correspondent saw piles of garbage assembling every other corner. Even in front of the Planet World City Park, a recreational park for children, it was a common scene. Stenches were also coming from the piled up garbage, creating an unhygienic situation.

“Beauty of our city in being destroyed, and Barisal is turning to a city of garbage,” said Manabendra Batabayal, a cultural activist.

Aktaruzzaman Hiru, the commissioner of ward no 17, said there is a shortage of dustbins in his area (Sadar road, Bagura road, Band road etc) and assured of taking immediate steps in this regard.

Juthi Biswas, a resident of the ward, said, “We always have to remain alert while taking our children to school. Not only just watching the street while crossing, we also have to watch out for the garbage lying on the street.”

Dipok Lal Mridha, chief conservation officer of Barisal City Corporation, said BCC had planned to set up five Secondary Transfer Station (STS) in Barisal City but only two stations have been built so far. “We need open spaces to build those near the city areas so that waste can be transferred quickly and on a regular basis. For that we need public cooperation and support.”

He said shortage of manpower and proper logistical supports are also behind this issue. “We are working hard to resolve the crisis.”

When asked about the allegation of irregularities in garbage collections and overflowing of garbage, he denied the allegation.

He said BCC does not have enough budgets to start an awareness build up programme. However, they have put up some signs to aware people of not throwing garbage on the street, he added.