12 sued for polluting Halda River by dumping over 2,000 rawhides in Ctg’s Fatikchhari
The Department of Environment (DoE) has filed a case against 10 to 12 unidentified individuals for dumping more than 2,000 rawhides into a canal connected to the Halda River in Chattogram's Fatikchhari upazila.
The case was filed with the Fatikchhari Police Station on Tuesday evening by Assistant Director of DoE Chattogram, Mohammad Ashraf Uddin, after conducting a day-long inspection drive at the Terpari Bridge Area under Rosangiri Union of the upazila.
Earlier in the morning, the upazila administration recovered 600-700 decaying hides from Terpari Canal, following complaints of a foul stench reported by local residents. The canal is a tributary of the Halda River, the only natural breeding ground for carp species in Asia, raising alarms among environmentalists and local authorities.
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Officials believe the hides were dumped by traders frustrated over not receiving fair prices during Eid-ul-Adha. The stench from the rotting leather drew public attention early Tuesday morning.
Upon notification, the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) took immediate steps to remove the waste.
Assistant Director of the DoE Ashraf Uddin confirmed the case and said, "We have found evidence of large-scale rawhide dumping in Terpari Canal. Though 600–700 hides were removed and buried by the local administration, many had already floated downstream into the Halda River. The water of the canal has already turned dark red due to pollution."
"Speaking with local residents, we suspect the involvement of 10 to 12 traders and locals. Their identities have not been confirmed yet, but we are working to trace and hold them accountable," he added.
Fatikchhari UNO Muhammad Mozammel Haque Chowdhury said, "We worked with local representatives and workers to remove the decomposing hides. The odour had spread over a wide area, and the canal's link to the Halda River puts the river's delicate ecosystem in danger."
"A case has been filed, and those responsible will be held accountable," he added.
