Waste management

Zabed Wali, Pahartali, Chittagong

Photo: STAR

As I travel through the city early in the morning I have to put my palm on my nostrils in an attempt to guard against the foul odour that wafts its way from a trashcan or a pile of rotting waste lying beside the road. And I am talking about the environment of the port city which still retains its green look. The situation is even worse in the capital. According to the recent news reports, the capital city alone produces 3556 tonnes of solid waste everyday--a staggering amount by any standard. This waste includes lots of non-biodegradable stuff, toxic materials and harmful things. For example, medical waste can help spread germs which cause many deadly diseases. Again some neighbourhoods and kitchen markets have no proper place for the disposal of garbage. Some people are in the habit of throwing garbage almost everywhere. Waste management is an area that is in need of immediate intervention. More funds and manpower should be channelled into the sector.