Charcoal kilns widely harming environment and public health

BENAPOLE, Dec 25: The unchecked operation of unauthorised charcoal kilns in Abhaynagar upazila of Jashore has pushed the local environment and public health to the brink of disaster.

Toxic black smoke spewing continuously from the kilns is severely polluting the air, destroying forest resources and causing widespread respiratory and other health complications among residents.

Despite the activities being carried out openly, the lack of effective administrative action has sparked growing anger and concern among environmentalists and conscious citizens.

A visit to the area revealed that more than 200 illegal charcoal kilns have been operating for a long time in Amtala and Sonatala villages under Siddhipasha union. These kilns produce thousands of maunds of charcoal every day. To fuel the production, trees of various species are being indiscriminately felled, leading to the destruction of forest resources and causing serious damage to the area's ecological balance.

Dense black smoke emitting from the kilns keeps the surrounding areas enveloped throughout the day. As a result, the incidence of respiratory diseases, asthma, eye irritation, skin diseases and other health risks-particularly among children, women and the elderly-has risen alarmingly.

Living in the area is becoming increasingly unbearable for local residents.

Locals allege that a powerful syndicate is jointly operating these illegal kilns. The group is so influential that ordinary people are afraid to speak out against them, fearing harassment and intimidation if they protest.

Residents have organised human chains on several occasions and submitted written complaints to different offices demanding the closure of the illegal kilns. However, no effective action has been taken so far, eroding public trust in law enforcement agencies and the administration.

The locals insist that merely demolishing the kilns will not provide a lasting solution. They demand strict and exemplary legal action against the kiln owners, syndicate operators and their patrons. Otherwise, they warn, new kilns will reappear within a short time.

Regarding the issue, Jashore Department of Environment Deputy Director Mohammad Ataur Rahman said, "We are aware of the kilns. An operation to demolish the illegal kilns will be conducted soon." Abhaynagar Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Sheikh Salauddin Dipu said, "We have discussed the matter with the Khulna Department of Environment. Legal action will be taken very soon."

It is worth noting that on September 9, 2023, the upazila administration and the Jashore Department of Environment jointly demolished 113 illegal charcoal kilns run by an organised syndicate through a mobile court.

However, within just one month, the kilns were rebuilt under mysterious

protection, and illegal operations resumed as before.

Even after two years, no effective action has been taken against the syndicate, emboldening them to operate with greater impunity.

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