Pollution, encroachment killing Kaptai Lake

tourist spot under threat: Garbage and sewage from unauthorised houses and structures mushrooming on the bank of Kaptai Lake are polluting its water. PHOTO: STAR

The pollutants come mainly from scores of houses and business establishments, illegally built on government lands along the lake.

Though the lake water is the main source of drinking water for people living nearby, pollution of its water is increasing. Engine boats are also contributing to the pollution.

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It was gathered that in the race for encroachment and building illegal houses, Bangalee settlers are ahead of indigenous people due to "politics of vote". They occupy lands and build houses and business establishments with tacit approval of vote-seeking local government leaders, some local people alleged while talking to this correspondent during a recent visit.

The encroachers always prefer lands on banks of the lake as these are most attractive. Sewage from houses are flown into the lake water without slightest objection from the local government bodies.

If the government does not pay attention right now the lake water will be unfit for use within a few years, the locals said.

Despite being a tourist spot, Rangamati is gradually becoming a town of slums, increasing pollution of the lake. Human habitation is increasing rapidly in Reserve Bazar, New Hospital, Krishi Bibhag, Shashan Ghat and DPHE (Department of Public Health Engineering (DPHE) office areas.

The locals blamed 'vote politics' for the increasing unplanned habitation. Politicians are behind the illegal constructions on government lands and roadsides just to increase the number of their supporters, they claimed.

M Sabuj, a resident at Rangamati town said, "The town is gradually becoming clusters of slums. Unplanned habitation is the main reason for pollution of the lake water".

Even fishes will be threatened in some years if such pollution continues. The authorities should take immediate steps to protect the lake, he said.

When contacted over telephone, Rangamati Zila Parishad Chairman Dr. Manik Lal Dewan said the district council is yet to prepare any plan to protect the lake from pollution. "It's a giant project that requires plans by the government".

But a plan is needed to keep the lake pollution-free and further develop the tourist spot, he said. He admitted that the lake is being gradually silted, which needs a massive plan for dredging.

He claimed that keeping the lake pollution-free is the task of Rangamati Pourasabha.