Allegations have been found that a coal factory in Jibannagar upazila of Chuadanga district are polluting environment.
According to sources, there have been allegations of burning trees next to agricultural land in the upazila to make coal without the permission of the Department of Environment.
It is threatening agricultural land. Fruit, forest and medicinal plants are being severely damaged. In addition, there is a fear that the locals will be affected by various diseases due to the black smoke from the charcoal.
Locals said that Irfan Hossain, brother of former UP member Milon Hossain, has illegally built a coal factory next to agricultural land in Marufda village of Raipur union of Jibannagar upazila. There, coal is being produced using about 700 maunds of chalk in five kilns at a time. It takes about 15 days to produce one consignment of coal and they release two consignments in the market every month.
Coal producer Abdus Sabur said that the workers are involved in this work on a monthly attendance contract. It is possible to produce two consignments of coal a month.
When asked about the approval, he said, “No one takes approval for this work. If people come from the office and give money, everything is settled.”
In this regard, factory owner Irfan Hossain said, “I do not have any permission. I have started this work anew.”
Jibannagar Upazila Executive Officer (UNO) Md Al-Amin said, “There have been allegations of burning trees next to agricultural land to make charcoal. The matter will be investigated and appropriate action will be taken.”
Locals said burning wood in open place increases carbon in the air, which is very harmful for the living beings. Necessary steps should be taken against the factory which is threatening the environment.