Bangladesh, July 7 -- The Kaladumur River, once a lifeline for agriculture, fisheries and transportation in Daudkandi upazila, is facing an environmental crisis as years of indiscriminate waste dumping from Elliotganj Bazar have severely polluted its waters, threatening biodiversity, irrigation and the livelihoods of thousands of people.

The historic Elliotganj Bazar, one of the busiest commercial centres in the area, has long been plagued by poor waste management.

Residents alleged that garbage and market waste have been dumped indiscriminately along the riverbanks, beside roads and directly into the river for years, gradually choking the waterway and obstructing its natural flow.

The once-clear river now emits a foul smell, aquatic ...