FENI, Nov 25 (UNB): Unplanned, unregulated and unapproved poultry farms across Feni district are triggering severe environmental pollution, disrupting local biodiversity and putting thousands of residents at risk, according to locals and officials.
Residents have filed repeated complaints with government offices over the growing pollution caused by the mushrooming farms.
The district administration has responded with assurances of action, but meaningful intervention is yet to be seen.
According to data from the Department of Environment (DoE), Feni has 1,367 registered poultry farms, while another 1,814 have applied for environmental clearance. Among these are 544 layer farms, 856 broiler farms, 384 Sonali farms, eight parent stock layer farms and 22 parent stock broiler farms.
However, the number of illegal and unapproved farms remains unknown. Officials estimate the actual figure to be more than double the number of registered farms.
A visit to several parts of Sonagazi upazila revealed poultry farms built haphazardly on rooftops, in residential yards, beside ponds, on croplands, along canals and directly next to roads.
Despite clear guidelines requiring clearance from the Livestock Department and compliance with structural standards, the vast majority of these farms have ignored the rules altogether.
During recent inspections, this correspondent found many farms operating without environmental clearance or Livestock Department licences, even though existing regulations require either DoE approval or registration with the Livestock Department before a farm can be established.
Because these farms have expanded outside the legal framework, environmental pollution has intensified across Sonagazi and other unions.
The impact on local ecology is profound, while residents say their daily lives have become increasingly unbearable.
Agricultural lands are suffering extensive damage, with waste from an estimated 95% of the farms polluting water bodies and soil. Dumped waste is contaminating canals, disrupting irrigation and creating shortages of clean water.
Although guidelines dictate that poultry farms must be located at least 200 metres from residential areas, many have been set up right beside homes, schools and mosques.
