Md. Masud Khan, Munshiganj (South) 

The Katakhali Canal in Munshiganj Municipality has turned  into a dumping ground for waste. The stagnant, putrid water in the canal is emitting a foul odor and breeding an immense number of mosquitoes. As a result, residents living near the canal are exasperated by the mosquito infestation. Encroachment has not only narrowed the canal but also intensified the pollution to alarming levels.

Local residents report that it's hard to stay indoors during the day, and at night, mosquito bites make sleep impossible. This situation has arisen because the canal has not been cleaned for a long time. Hridoy Hossain, a resident living by the canal, said, "As soon as evening approaches, we have to close our doors and windows. There are so many mosquitoes that children can't sleep peacefully. The municipality sprays sometimes, but it doesn't work. If the canal isn't cleaned, this problem will persist." Businessman Nazrul Islam stated, "I don't even find peace sitting in my shop. Such a stench comes from the canal that customers cover their mouths with handkerchiefs and leave. There are health risks, and the environment is severely damaged."

Local residents complain that even though mosquito repellent is sprayed, it's ineffective. Many claim that the municipality's repellent is not of good quality. Some have even alleged that spraying activities are often only carried out on paper.

However, Musumi Mahbub, the Administrator of Munshiganj Municipality and Deputy Director of the Local Government Division, has offered a ray of hope. She stated that they are seriously considering addressing the condition of the Katakhali Canal and the unsanitary environment prevailing there. She informed that cleaning of the canal will commence early next week, either on Sunday or Monday, through a joint initiative of the Zila Parishad (District Council) and the Municipality. The goal is to curb mosquito breeding and ensure relief from the unsanitary conditions. The municipality is regularly conducting operations to control mosquito outbreaks within its jurisdiction. Currently, the municipality has 9 spraying machines, with the purchase of 4 more underway. 

The Administrator believes that with 12-13 machines, the work can be carried out more effectively. She also mentioned that mosquito spraying is being conducted in phases in every neighborhood. However, the municipal authorities are aware that spraying alone is not enough to reduce mosquito infestations. Despite questions about the efficacy of the mosquito repellent, they are striving to apply standard quality repellent as per City Corporation norms. To ensure effectiveness, the selection and application of the repellent are being done in consultation with the municipality's doctors. In the Administrator's words, "We want to reduce health risks for people and maintain a beautiful environment by taking quick and effective measures."

A municipal doctor, who wished to remain anonymous, said that even if mosquito repellent is sprayed, it often doesn't work if it's not of the right quality. If the municipality or City Corporation uses standard quality repellent, its effectiveness will significantly increase. Additionally, cleaning stagnant water bodies is crucial. Members of local environmental organizations stated that not only mosquitoes but also dengue, typhoid, skin diseases, and various other infectious diseases can spread from the putrid water of the Katakhali Canal.

 If immediate action is not taken, the entire municipality will face significant health risks. According to reliable sources, a project for the restoration and beautification of the Katakhali Canal has been undertaken through LGED (Local Government Engineering Department). It is currently at the government policy-making stage. Once it receives final approval, the work of beautification and restoration of the Katakhali Canal will commence in full swing.