Nine illegal brick kilns demolished in Kushtia

Illegal brick kilns being demolished in Kushtia.

Kushtia, Nov 25 — The Department of Environment (DoE) on Tuesday demolished nine illegal brick kilns and destroyed raw bricks worth about Tk 1 crore in the Char Sadipur area of Kumarkhali upazila in Kushtia.

The drive was led by DoE Executive Magistrate Md Asifur Rahman.

Kushtia DoE Deputy Director Md Emdadul Haque, Senior Chemist Md Habibul Bashar, Inspector Nasrin Sultana and other officials were present.

Members of BGB Battalion-47, Kushtia police, Civil Defence and the Fire Service assisted in the operation.

Speaking after the drive, Executive Magistrate Asifur Rahman said that Char Sadipur is a remote, river-surrounded area where access is difficult and operations are challenging.

“Still, we are firm in removing illegal brick kilns. Today we demolished nine, and more have been identified. All illegal kilns will be removed in phases,” he addded.

Kushtia DoE Deputy Director Emdadul Haque informed that Kushtia has around 185 brick kilns, but only 17 have clearance from the Department of Environment.

“Every year these illegal kilns operate by violating rules. We will continue our drives and shut down all illegal kilns,” he said.

According to local residents, the illegal brick kilns had been harming the environment for years.

They welcomed the operation, saying it brought relief to the area. - UNB