Torsha River: A Dumping Ground of Rubbish! Pollution is Rising, Area Residents Are Distressed, Who is Responsible?
The Torsha River, located at the India-Bhutan border, has become a dumping ground for waste, causing distress among local residents.
The Torsha River, which is a popular tourist destination, has been severely affected by pollution due to the accumulation of garbage along its banks in Jaygaon, a town at the India-Bhutan border. Local residents of the Kalchini block in Alipurduar district are expressing their distress as this once beautiful river transforms into a dumping ground. Allegations have been made against the Jaygaon Development Authority for contributing to the degradation by not managing waste effectively and allowing both plastic waste and dead livestock to pollute the riverbank.
Residents accuse the Jaygaon Development Authority's solid waste management project of using labeled vehicles to improperly dispose of garbage in the river area. The situation is exacerbated by the practice of setting the rubbish on fire, leading to further air pollution, making the living conditions intolerable for the locals. This rampant pollution has raised concerns about public health and environmental sustainability, forcing the residents to question the accountability of local authorities in managing the waste crisis effectively.
The growing issue of pollution highlights the need for urgent intervention from government agencies to not only clean up the Torsha River but also to implement proper waste management practices. The local population, heavily dependent on the river for its ecological and economic resources, is calling for accountability and action to restore the Torsha River to its former glory. Failure to address these issues could have long-term detrimental effects on the community and biodiversity in the region, as well as the tourism industry which relies on the natural beauty of the river.