The Jojnal river, a tributary of the Khowai that eventually merges with the Korangi, is dying before the eyes of people in Mirpur Bazar under Bahubal upazila of Habiganj.

Once a thriving waterway navigated by large boats, the Jojnal has now shrunk into a narrow, malodorous canal, choked by years of illegal encroachment, unchecked waste dumping and neglect.

The crisis is most visible beneath the bypass road bridge, where heaps of plastic, polythene waste and rotting market scraps have blocked the river’s flow.

With no designated waste disposal site in Mirpur Bazar, the river has become the default dumping ground.

Sajidur Rahman Pavel, a local resident, said people have to cover their noses while passing through the area.

Zahirul Islam Tipu, a trader at the market, alleged that local influentials had illegally occupied both sides of the river and constructed multi-storey buildings, narrowing the waterway over the years.

“The river is now on the brink of death. If that happens, the surrounding environment and ecosystem will also suffer,” said Tofazzal Sohel, vice-president of the Habiganj unit of Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon.

Shamsul Haque Master of the Mirpur Businessmen’s Association, said, “Without a proper waste management system, people are being forced to dump garbage into the river.”

Contacted, Liton Chandra Dey, UNO of Bahubal, said, “If we receive specific written complaints, eviction drives and legal measures will be taken promptly.”

He said local administration would also work with the Department of Environment to prevent further pollution.