RANGPUR, Apr 20: Boro paddy on about 70 acres of land at Ramnathpur Ghatabil area under Badarganj upazila in Rangpur district has been damaged owing to toxic hot gas emitted from two brick kilns set up on agricultural lands.
A number of affected farmers alleged that MBL and SBB brick kilns were set up on agricultural lands in the area around 10 years ago. They have been facing problem in cultivating crops since the brick fields went into operation. They lodged complaints several times against the brick kilns to the authorities concerned but they are yet to take any measures in this regard, farmers further alleged.
Around 60 farmers have suffered losses as around 40 to 50 per cent of the partially ripened paddy and around 70 to 80 per cent of immature paddy have been affected by the toxic hot gas and thick black smoke emitted from the kilns.
Raton 45, a farmer of Ghatabil Mandolpara village told FE that he cultivated Boro on one acre of land this season spending about Tk 26,000 and he became ecstatic to witness an excellent growth of the plants. But his ecstasy did not last long as almost 70 per cent crops in his land have been damaged due the toxic hot gas of the brick kilns, he also said.
Dasorath 50, another farmer of the same village said that he cultivated boro on 3 bighas of land taking Tk 40,000 loan from local money lenders. But his standing Boro crops have almost entirely been burnt by the toxic gas of the brick kilns. "Now I have no way to repay the loan ", he lamented.
Owner of MBL brick kiln Ayub Ali said they are paying tax to the government regularly for running brick field. If their brick kilns cause harm to anybody what can they do? he added.
Upazila Agriculture Officer Abdur Rashid said it is illegal to erect brick kiln on arable lands. The administration should think about it before giving licence for brick kilns.
They have taken the matter seriously and already informed the higher authorities about it, he added.
sayedmofidulbabu@gmail.com
Boro paddy damaged owing to toxic gas emitted from brick kilns
Our Correspondent | Published: April 21, 2015 00:00:00 | Updated: November 30, 2026 06:01:00
Share if you like