A journey from Dhaka to Madhugram in Feni district reveals significant environmental degradation. The proliferation of brick kilns along the Dhaka-Chittagong highway and other roads is causing severe damage to fertile agricultural land. Additionally, open waste dumps at the entrances of Feni and Chhagalnaiya pose serious threats to the environment and public health.
The journey also highlighted the concerning state of rivers such as the Shitalakhya, which is polluted with industrial waste, and the Gomoti, where extensive sand mining is occurring. The once-thriving Kaiyara Dighi, a historic water body, is now surrounded by unplanned settlements and losing its natural charm.
The decline in native flora and the rise of exotic species like mahogany and rain trees were noted. The loss of traditional agricultural practices and the encroachment of concrete structures are threatening the region's biodiversity and cultural heritage. Efforts are needed to restore and protect the natural environment and promote sustainable development.
