Alokbali’s water hyacinth woes
Mahmuda Begum was bleeding excessively after she gave birth to a baby girl on December 22 last year.
The 22-year-old mother from Alokbali union under Narsingdi Sadar upazila needed emergency medical care, which didn't exist in the union, located on a remote char in the Meghna river.
It was 5:00 am. Nasir Ahmed, her husband, started a race against time to get to the Narsingdi Sadar Hospital by navigating the Meghna river in an engine boat.
However, Mahmuda's condition deteriorated rapidly, and she fell unconscious en route. Hours later, when they finally arrived at the hospital, the duty doctor informed him that it was too late to save his beloved wife.
"If only she had reached the hospital a couple of hours earlier," Nasir sobbed, while sharing his story.
Mahmuda's tragic incident is not an isolated case in this remote char region. During the months of March to June, the journey to Narsingdi Sadar becomes a nightmare for residents, plagued by dense bushes and water hyacinths obstructing the waterways.
The owners of the 200 or so illegal fish farms, which are set up along the river's banks and branches are directly to blame for this, said locals.
These fish farm owners, in an effort to maximise their profits, release water hyacinth into the river during the dry season. Within weeks, this invasive plant spread throughout the water body, rendering it nearly impassable for water transport. The consequences are dire, with lives hanging in the balance.
Nizam Uddin, 34, from Khodadila village in the Alokabali union of Sadar upazila, has two fish enclosures.
He said, "We do not create barriers in the river for the movement of boats. Instead, water hyacinth is typically present in the river during this time of year. Besides, there are other plants floating in the river."
Residents of Alokbali union expressed that their woes subside during the rainy season when rising water levels and the inundation of surrounding areas alleviate the problem. They rely on engine boats and occasionally speed boats to reach Narsingdi Sadar via the Meghna river. However, when water hyacinth fills the river, even speedboats are rendered immobile. The normally short 30-minute speed boat journey is extended to one and a half hours on an engine boat.
Narsingdi Deputy Commissioner Abu Nayeem Mohammed Maruf Khan said the district administration is not aware of the matter. He said they will take necessary steps in this regard.
Local MP Lt Col (Rtd) Nazrul Islam Hiro (Bir Pratik) said he placed a survey report conducted by LGED to construct a concrete road and two bridges at Jatiya Sangsad last year, but it is yet to be approved.
"I hope the project will get approval from the Ecnec soon," he added.