Raid on unauthorized hatchery in Goalando, Tk 2 lakh fined
Rajbari Correspondent
A mobile court has fined Victor Village Hatchery Ltd. in Goalando, Rajbari, Tk 2 lakh for violating multiple sections of the Environmental Protection Act and not having any kind of approval.
The fine was collected in a joint operation by the district and upazila administrations on Wednesday afternoon.
Previously, the local residents, who were severely polluted by the numerous dead chickens and the stench of manure from the hatchery, filed a written complaint with the Upazila Executive Officer on May 7, seeking redress.
The operation was conducted by Rajbari District Administration Assistant Commissioner and Executive Magistrate Nahid Ahmed. Goalando Upazila Animal Husbandry Officer Md. Shahadat Hossain, Upazila Agriculture Officer Md. Khokon Uzzaman, Rajbari Environment Department Assistant Director Md. Harun-or-Rashid and a team of Goalando Ghat Police Station assisted in conducting the operation.
Locals said that for a long time, the hatchery had been operating a large-scale hatchery and farm in the Moizuddin Mandal Para area of West Ujanchar in the upazila, disregarding environmental protection laws and the suffering of the people.
Upon receiving the complaint, the mobile court found on-site that the hatchery farm was operating without proper waste management, which was endangering the surrounding environment and public health. In addition, there was evidence of operating in environmentally sensitive areas without the required permits.
Mobile court judge Nahid Ahmed said that the Victor Hatcheries authorities were fined and warned today. If they do not improve the situation, the hatchery will be permanently closed in the future.
