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Published : 02 May 2025, 02:41 AM
The Sutang River, flowing into Bangladesh from India, has long served as a vital resource for irrigation, transport, pottery, and daily use across Habiganj and its neighbouring areas.
The tributary, however, now teeters on the edge of ruin due to the unchecked discharge of industrial waste into its waters.
Farmers in Shayestaganj Upazila say the river has become so contaminated by untreated waste from unplanned factories in Olipur that its water now kills paddy plants when used for irrigation.
The once-life-giving river now runs thick with black, murky water, where neither fish nor aquatic life can survive.
Locals also complain that the polluted environment has made living near the river increasingly difficult.
A recent study by a team from the Departments of Environmental Science and Aquatic Resource Management and Conservation at Habiganj Agricultural University has found microplastics in the river water — particles known to be harmful to human health.
Researchers fear the contamination is likely to enter the food chain through fish and crops from the river’s basin.
As the river flows through Haors (wetlands) they warn that even the region’s Boro paddy cultivation may no longer be safe.
“We have already confirmed the presence of microplastics in both water and fish samples,” said Md Shakir Ahammed, lecturer at the university and lead researcher of the study.
“Further testing is under way to detect the presence of heavy metals,” he added.
ETP ABSENT OR INACTIVE
The Sutang River, an 81km transboundary waterway shared by Bangladesh and India, is listed as number 1206 in the National River Conservation Commission's registry.
It flows through Habiganj Sadar, Lakhai, Shayestaganj, and Chunarughat Upazilas.
Experts note that while the river is 81km long, its basin spans nearly 400km.
The river, which originates in India’s Tripura state, merges with the Kalni River in Lakha Upazila.
With year-round water flow, this Haor region river was once a vital means of communication.
Lack of dredging and the unregulated development of an industrial park in Olipur have gradually changed the nature of the river, with increasing industrial waste tainting its waters.
Visiting different areas along the riverbank, including Karab, Charipur, Uchail, Rajiura, Sadhur Bazar, Mirzapur, Ghorail Char, and Rahimpur, the river waters are visibly black and emit a foul odour.
Aquatic life has perished in the polluted waters.
Locals allege that 30 to 35 factories in Olipur are discharging untreated industrial waste directly into the Sutang River.
Most of these industrial units do not have functional Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs).
Even in factories where ETPs are installed, they are not operated regularly due to cost concerns.
As a result, untreated waste continues to be dumped into the river.
This unchecked pollution has triggered a humanitarian crisis in several riverside unions, including Bulla, Karab, Lukra, Nurpur and Rajiura.
Describing the situation, Gulnahar Begum, an assistant teacher at a primary school in Sadhur Bazar, said: “The water has become toxic and is causing severe environmental damage. We have to cover our noses and mouths on the way to school.
“It’s become unbearable to stay in the area because of the smell.”
Shafik Mia of Bhadgari village echoed similar concerns. “We’re suffering because of the toxic river water. We have to cross the river for work every day, and the water triggers itching when it comes in contact with the skin,” he said.
Zahirul Haque Shakil, a professor at Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, said the area is facing an imbalance in agriculture, environment and biodiversity due to unplanned industrialisation.
“Sutang River has been completely endangered by Habiganj’s industrial growth,” he added.
“Industrialisation and economic growth are meant for people—if people can’t survive, who will benefit? The river now flows like black tar.”
Tofazzal Sohel, general secretary of Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (BAPA) in Habiganj, also criticised the impact of unchecked development.
“Looking at Sutang River and nearby canals and water bodies, it’s clear that unplanned industrialisation is not development—it’s destruction,” he said.
“Dumping industrial waste into rivers, canals and wetlands has devastated agriculture and the environment in the area.
“According to the country’s existing laws, treatment of industrial waste at source is mandatory, but this is not being followed here.
“From the start, factories have been contributing to pollution unbound, directly violating the constitutional rights of residents in the affected villages,” he added.
‘WATER KILLS PADDY SAPLINGS WHEN APPLIED TO FIELDS’
The vast Haor region relies on irrigation for cultivating Boro paddy, with a portion of the water drawn from the Sutang River.
The river’s capacity to provide sufficient irrigation water, however, is diminishing over time.
Mohsin Ahmed, a businessman from Sadhur Bazar, lamented: “The water has become so polluted that when we use it in paddy fields, the saplings die.
“Even our cattle, goats, and ducks get sick and die when they go into the river.”
Every year, Hindu devotees participate in a bathing ritual in the Lakhai section of the Sutang River.
But, due to the river water's condition, this sacred practice has also declined.
Sushil Chandra Das, a resident of the Bulla area, said: "Thousands of men and women from different places used to participate in the ritual bath. Now the number of people has diminished."
“The stench is unbearable, even with our doors and windows closed,” he added.
Subhash Pal, a resident of Suraboi village, said: “We used to collect clay from this river for pottery. It was very helpful for us. But now the river’s soil is unusable,” he said.
“We have to buy clay from other places, and many people are unwilling to sell. Ahead of Pohela Boishakh, we’ve had to purchase clay at higher prices,” he added.
DREDGING NEEDED TO REVIVE THE DYING RIVER
Locals believe that regular dredging, along with proper use of ETPs by nearby industries, is essential to save the river.
Ahammad Ali Shamim, a resident of Rajiura village, said: “This old river is ceasing to exist due to the lack of dredging. Neglect and absence of monitoring are killing this once-flowing river.
“Heavy rainfall and upstream currents from India have filled the river with silt, causing it to lose navigability. It needs dredging.”
Ananya Pal, a resident of Nurpur village, echoed the same demand.
According to locals, Sutang River once sustained the region’s largest bamboo market.
During the monsoon, traders used to transport bamboo via the river to different parts of the country.
That tradition no longer exists. Although protests have been held to protect the river, authorities have paid little attention.
When contacted, Habiganj Deputy Commissioner Faridur Rahman said: “We are working to save the Sutang River. We will do whatever is necessary to protect it.”
[Writing in English by Sheikh Fariha Bristy]
