Crops damaged by toxic gas from brick kilns in Natore, locals form human chain

Local residents staged a protest and human chain in Kanshpur village of Natore's Singra upazila protesting the damage to crops and trees caused by toxic gas from brick kilns. The programme was held yesterday, Tuesday, in Sherkol union. Speakers said that local Awami League leader Bijoy Kundu established two brick kilns, Messrs MBK Bricks in 2011 and Abdul Bari MSP in 2013. Crops on hundreds of bighas of land are being ruined by the toxic gas of the two kilns, fruits are not growing in homesteads, and even a century-old tamarind tree has died. Various diseases, including respiratory problems, are increasing.

They alleged that although the administration was informed multiple times, no effective measures were taken. Instead, threats are given when compensation is demanded. The kiln authorities acknowledged the issue of damage but claimed it to be "minor". However, the Department of Environment stated that the MBK brick kiln has no approval, and legal action will be taken after investigation. The upazila Nirbahi officer said that necessary steps will be taken upon receiving complaints. The demand of the locals is that illegal kilns must be shut down to protect the environment and agriculture.