Brick kilns toxic smoke damages paddy fields in Ghatail

Paddy on at least 300 bighas of land in Ghatail upazila of Tangail have been badly damaged allegedly due to emission of toxic gas from four nearby brick kilns.During a ground visit in the area, it has been found that green fields of Boro paddy have turned red due to smoke in Gorishwar area under Lakherpara union of the upazila. The leaves have curled. The sheaf of rice has turned into unfertile dry seed.

Farmers of the upazila were in hope that they could harvest a better yield this year but toxic smoke emitted from the nearby brick kilns thrashed their dreams. A written complaint was submitted to Upazila Nirbahi Officer by the effected farmers of the upazila claiming compensation of their losses.

The affected farmers and locals alleged that Fazlul Haque Talukder, owner of MST brickfield, was asked to stop the activity of his unplanned brick kiln, but he didn't listen to them. Majnu, an affected farmers of Gorishwar village, said, "I took a loan for Tk 10,000 to cultivate some lands on lease. How could I pay the loan as my paddy field has been damaged by toxic smoke of brick kilns." Mamun Mia, another affected farmer of the area, said, "Paddy worth Tk 60,000 have been damaged due to the toxic smoke emission from the brick kiln."

In addition, people in the area are suffering from various diseases such as cold, cough and respiratory problems due to the toxic smoke from the brick kilns. Contacted, MST brickfield owner Fazlul Haque Talukder said, "It is true that the paddy fields have been damaged but it isn't sure whether it is happened due to the smoke of brick kiln." "If any damage is occurred due to the brick kiln, compensation will be given to the affected farmers after making discussion with the administration", he added.

Shahidul Haque Milon, a local UP chairman, said, "Affected farmers came to with their complaint. I have discussed the matter with Upazila Nirbahi Officer. It is hoped that farmers will get a remedy soon." Upazila Agriculture Officer Dilshad Jahan said, "The matter will be investigated physically."UNO Munia Chowdhury said, "I received a complaint from the affected farmers. Necessary actions will be taken after making an investigation."

---Abdul Latif in Ghatail, Tangail