Toxic waste and foul water from Rohingya camps in Teknaf are severely polluting nearby canals, wetlands, and the Naf River. The contaminated water, flowing through canals such as Alikhali, Muchhni Chhuri, Jadimura, Unchiprang, and Omar, has turned black and unusable. Local farmers report that crop production has been disrupted, while fish yields in canals and rivers have declined. The pollution is also affecting salt cultivation, as saline farmers cannot use the foul water for irrigation.

According to local sources, six Rohingya camps in Hnila Union house around 180,000 people within a four-square-kilometer area. About 70 percent of the camps’ waste, including sewage, flows directly into nearby canals and rivers. Residents say the water remains discolored even during the monsoon and that many locals are suffering from waterborne diseases. Farmers and residents have urged the Department of Environment and local administration to establish proper waste management systems.

Officials have acknowledged the problem, emphasizing the need for modern treatment facilities to prevent further environmental and health damage in the region.