Shawdesh dEsk:

Chattogram: Some 293 illegal brickfields are being operated in different parts of Chattogram district, posing a serious threat to the environment and ecology.

According to the sources in the Department of Environment (DoE), 293 brickfields out of total 413 in the district lack licences. Some of them have date-expired approval from the DoE while others do not have anything.

Uncontrolled pollution is also damaging croplands in the areas and posing a threat to public health, sources said.

No brickfieldcan be legally established within one kilometre of residential areas. But, most of the brick kilns are producing bricks either close to houses in the city or villages.

On November 13 last year, the High Court orderedthe authorities concerned to shut all the illegal brickfields in the country within seven days.

However, in the two and a-half months, the authorities could so far demolish two brickfields in Satkania and Rangunia upazilas.

According to the source, there are a total of 413 brickfields in the district.

Of them, 282 are fixed chimneys (80 to 120 foot), 117 zigzag chimneys and rest 14 environment friendly chimneys.

There are 12 brickfields under Karnaphuli upazila and all of them have approval from the DoE, said the sources.

In other upazilas, one brickfield of two in Anwara and Patiya upazila each, nine of 11 brickfields in Sandwip, 10 of 12 in Banshkhali and four of five in Boalkhali are illegal.

Similarly, nine of 15 brickfields in Mirsharai, six of eight in Sitakunda, 25 of 32 in Chandanaish, 45 of 48 in Lohagara, 43 of 55 in Fatikchhari, 25 of 70 in Satkania, 29 of 37 in Raozan, 66 of 69 in Rangunia and 20 out of 35 in Hathazari lack required approval.

According to the sources, this situation prevails due to manpower shortage in DoE, and lack of enforcement of the law and dedication to the work.

Environmentalist Professor Dr M Edris Ali said the correlation between bricks and development cannot be denied.

But, the brickfields must be kept under close supervision so that it doesnotcause any harm to the environment, he said.

The black smoke produced by the brick kilns contains sulphur dioxide and manganese, which are a serious threat to the human health as well as the environment, observed Prof Edris.

He also suggested an end to usage of wood that contains sulphur at the kilns.

Edris held the inactiveness of the DoE and bureaucratic complexities responsible for the mushrooming growth of the illegal brickfields.

Regarding health hazards, he said the smoke produced by the brick kilns spread particles in the air that cause manifold problems especially the respiratory one to human health.

He also laid emphasis on creating awareness among all to bring the illegal brickfields under control.

Contacted, the DoE Deputy Director (DD) Md F Anwar said they demolished two brickfields recently.

Besides, a total of Tk 48.2 lakh was fined in 44 drives last year, he said.

“We have also sent a list of illegal brickfields to the district administration for proper action,” the DD said.

“Sometimes the illegal brickfield owners avoid legal actions through using the loopholes of the law,” he observed.

F Anwar also mentioned manpower shortage and said they were trying to check the environmental pollution through the existing workforce.

According to the sources, the number of illegal brick kilns will be higher as information of many is not maintained by the DoE.