Bangladeshi Vessel Dumps Toxic Fly Ash in Muriganga River Near Ghoramara, Raising Environmental Concerns
The incident unfolded near Ghoramara Island, in the Sundarbans region, where a sinking Bangladeshi vessel, MV Sea World, has been caught discharging toxic fly ash into the Muriganga river. This environmental crisis was captured on video by a local panchayat member and has since raised alarms about the long-term ecological and health risks posed by the contamination.
The vessel, en route to Bangladesh from Budge Budge, struck a sandbar near Ghoramara, damaging its hull. Over the next 72 hours, the situation worsened, with nearly 70% of the ship compromised. Despite instructions to tow the vessel back to Bangladesh before the fly ash could mix with the river, no action was taken by the Bangladeshi shipping agency. Instead, locals and fishermen allege that the vessel’s crew deliberately discharged the toxic material into the water under the cover of darkness. The toxic fly ash, which contains heavy metals such as arsenic, mercury, cadmium, and lead, poses a severe risk to the river ecosystem. Experts, including Tuhin Ghosh, director of the School of Oceanographic Studies at Jadavpur University, warned that such contamination could drastically alter the water chemistry, endangering aquatic life and disrupting the local food chain. The leaching of fly ash into the river could lead to toxic water conditions, impacting both marine life and the livelihoods of those who depend on fishing in the region.
Bijon Maity, secretary of the Fishermen’s Association in Kakdwip, expressed deep concern for the local fishing community, particularly small-scale fishermen who rely on the river’s rich fish stocks. “If experts confirm that the river is contaminated with heavy metals, it will be devastating for marginal fishermen,” Maity said. This region, home to high-value fish species like topse, bhetki, and prawns, supports thousands of fishermen in Ghoramara, Sagar, Kakdwip, Haldia, Nandigram, and Khejuri. The pollution threatens their way of life and food security. In addition to the environmental damage, there are fears about the broader impact on groundwater and soil quality. The toxic materials released into the river could seep into the ground, affecting the region’s agricultural productivity and biodiversity. The incident has prompted calls from environmentalists for stringent monitoring and regulatory enforcement, as well as action against the Bangladeshi shipping agency responsible for the vessel.
Bankim Hazra, the Minister for Sundarbans Affairs, stated that he would visit the site to investigate the situation further. Hazra had already visited the site shortly after the incident, alongside senior local officials, and expressed concern about the dangers of fly ash contamination. Ghoramara panchayat head Ambiya Khatun Bibi also confirmed receiving complaints from local fishermen, who are anxious about the consequences of the toxic discharge.
Authorities have been urged to carry out immediate water testing to assess the extent of the contamination. The public health implications of toxic exposure are alarming, and a swift response is needed to protect the river ecosystem, groundwater, and the health of local communities. Environmentalists have called for a stronger safety framework to prevent such incidents in the future and to hold those responsible accountable for the damage caused. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks posed by inadequate oversight in areas where environmental protection is already fragile, and it highlights the need for stricter regulations and enforcement in the region.
