Rampant use of banned polyethylene in Ashashuni causing environmental risks
Sachchida Nanda Dey Saday (Ashashuni) Satkhira
In Ashashuni Upazila, the use and sale of banned polyethylene is occurring openly. This environmentally destructive material is being freely used in local markets, grocery stores, fruit shops, and cosmetic shops alike.
Although polyethylene is officially banned, it continues to be sold and used without hindrance.After use, this polyethylene is discarded into the rivers, canals, ponds, and wetlands of the upazila. As a result, heaps of polyethylene are accumulating along the riverbanks, causing waterlogging, environmental pollution, and public health risks.
Locals report that rivers, which have been excavated at a cost of millions, are being filled again due to polyethylene. Despite the government's ban on polyethylene, there is virtually no reflection of this in reality. The lack of local administrative enforcement and a deficit in awareness are leading to an increase in polyethylene usage day by day. Business owners and the general public state that due to the absence of any enforcement for a long time, everyone has become accustomed to using polyethylene.Experts believe that polyethylene is causing multifaceted harm to humans, animals, and nature.The toxic chemicals used in polyethylene accumulate in the body, increasing the risks of cancer, kidney disease, hormonal imbalances, and infertility.The gasses emitted from burning polyethylene lead to skin diseases and respiratory issues.Due to the use of polyethylene, many animals, including cows and goats, ingest it along with their food, which can accumulate in their intestines and become fatal.Polyethylene discarded in rivers and canals is becoming a cause of death for aquatic creatures.
Many birds are also getting entangled in flying polyethylene, putting them danger.Accumulated polyethylene in the soil is reducing its fertility.Blocked drains are creating waterlogging, disrupting drainage systems.The burning of polyethylene is releasing severely toxic gasses into the environment.Environmental activist S.K. Hasan states, “Polyethylene is a dangerously harmful substance that the government has already banned.
However, due to a lack of oversight, it has spread everywhere. We urge the relevant authorities to intervene swiftly.”Conscious citizens believe that to stop polyethylene, not only laws are needed, but also regular monitoring, increased public awareness, and initiatives for environmentally friendly alternatives.
Sachchida Nanda Dey Saday (Ashashuni) Satkhira
