C T Online Desk: There are 81 endangered species of plants in the country on both banks of the Karnaphuli river, including Ban Shimul, Yellow Black Chura, Phulibet, Kalmegh, Kanta Vishalla, Gangatara, Upkalis, Chhota Chatim, Icharmool, Ananta Mool and Beguni Amra.
However, it is alarming that these plants may be lost due to the severe pollution of Karnaphuli. Due to the same pollution, 63 other species of plants including Ashoka, Kuruj, Shyamalata, Chinalata, Khana, Varun, Phul Jhumri, Kalilata, Gol Takma and Duli Jaba may be endangered on both banks of Karnaphuli. That is, if the pollution of Karnaphuli is not prevented, these 144 species of plants will be lost. This information came out in a study conducted to determine the life-nature, plant diversity and causes of pollution of the Karnaphuli river.
It identified 89 sources and 30 factors responsible for pollution from the Karnaphuli estuary to the Bay of Bengal to Kaptai. According to the study data, pollution was highest from Mohana to Kalurghat.
Among them, the presence of chemicals harmful to human body and animals was detected in the waste released from seven industrial establishments in the river.
