3 furnaces on agri land, soil cutting, black smoke hit environment, questions over clearance in Bauphal
Md Delwar Hossain Bauphal (Patuakhali)
There have been allegations of creating a huge pile of soil by cutting soil from rivers and agricultural land along the Chabua Road in Baga Union of Bauphal Upazila in Patuakhali.
Three furnaces have been installed in the same area. Locals allege that these furnaces are burning wood and stones. Thick black smoke is emitted as soon as the furnaces are turned on. That smoke is spreading to nearby homes, roads and educational institutions. This has raised concerns about the environment and public health.
Recently, on the spot, on the side of Chabuya Road, it was seen that there were large piles of soil around the furnaces. In some places, the land has been cut and lowered, and in others, the cut soil has been piled up to create high mounds. A large amount of wood is seen stored next to the furnaces.
The smoke emitted from the furnaces is spreading to the surrounding areas with the wind.
Local residents say that even though the furnaces have been operating for a long time, their activities have not stopped. The smoke and burning smell are disrupting their normal lives. Some residents have also reported burning eyes and face, itching, allergies and breathing problems.
However, it is not possible to confirm whether the smoke from the furnace is directly related to these health problems without independent scientific testing. According to those concerned, environmental air quality testing and health assessments are needed to know the real situation.
There are several educational institutions around the furnaces. These include Basarabad Chabua Salia Alim Madrasa, Sabua Deeniya Madrasa, Chabua Government Primary School, Kayna Government Primary School, Daorabhanga Government Primary School, Banajora Government Primary School, Bamnikathi KC Secondary School and Bamnikathi Govt Primary School, among others.
Hundreds of students commute to these institutions every day, causing parents to be concerned about the smoke and stench from the furnaces.
A local resident said, "When a furnace is on fire, even closing the doors and windows of the house cannot save you from the smoke. I am most worried about the children."
Questions have also been raised about whether the reactors have environmental approvals. No copies of environmental clearances or approval documents were found with the relevant authorities during the on-site visit.
However, factory owner Iqbal Mahmud claimed that an application for environmental clearance has been made.
This is where the important question arises—are applying for a waiver and receiving a waiver the same thing?
The answer to this question can only be found by verifying the documents of the relevant authorities. Whether the company has received an environmental clearance at all, if so, in what category, and what conditions have been imposed - these issues are now awaiting verification.
However, clear information on where exactly the soil was collected, how much soil was excavated, whether the landowner had permission or not, or whether any government approval was obtained is still not available.
Locals also complain that trees in the area were also cut down during the excavation. They fear that this will have a negative impact on the environment as well as on agricultural land and riverbanks.
A large amount of wood was found next to the furnace. Locals claim that the furnace is being run using this wood as fuel.
However, the purpose for which the wood is being used, the amount of wood burned daily, and the source of the wood cannot be confirmed without inspection and verification by the relevant authorities.
Baga Union BNP President Babul Mridha said that industries are needed for employment and economic activities in the area. However, they should not be operated at the expense of the environment and people.
He said, "Let there be industries and employment for people. But rivers, agricultural land and the environment cannot be destroyed for this."
Bauphal Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dr. Abdur Rouf said that poor air quality due to black smoke can have adverse effects on people's health. Especially children, the elderly and people with respiratory problems can be at higher risk.
He said that prolonged exposure to polluted air can cause or worsen various respiratory problems.
However, those concerned believe that health examinations and environmental air quality tests are needed to determine the extent to which specific diseases or health risks have increased among local people due to the Bogor furnaces.
Bauphal UNO Saleh Ahmed said, "Those concerned have been asked to bring the necessary documents. If approval is not given, action will be taken according to the law."
Lovana Jamil, assistant director of the Patuakhali District Environment Department, said the matter is not under her attention. She will comment on the matter after confirming it through on-site inspection.
Several important questions have now come to the fore regarding this facility in Chabua - whether soil has been excavated from rivers and agricultural lands, whether permission has been granted for the excavation, whether trees have been cut down, what is the legality of operating the three furnaces, whether environmental clearance has been obtained, and whether permission has been granted for the use of wood as fuel.
In addition, it is also necessary to investigate how safe the location of the reactors so close to settlements and educational institutions is for the environment and public health.
Not only does it require verification of the owner's documents, but it also requires on-site investigation, environmental air quality testing, verification of the source of soil extraction, and examination of necessary approval documents.
The administration has already asked for documents. Now it remains to be seen what the real picture will be in the field investigation and verification of documents.
The locals expect that the matter should not be limited to just notices and assurances.
