Rajshahi , May 17 (V7N) - An illegal brick kiln named AMM, situated amidst densely populated residential areas and vital croplands in the Kesharhat Municipality area of Mohanpur, bordering Tanore, Rajshahi, is causing widespread devastation to crops in adjacent fields. The toxic smoke emanating from the kiln is shattering the livelihoods and dreams of local farmers, who face recurring losses year after year. The operation of such a kiln in a densely populated and agricultural zone is fundamentally inappropriate, leading to the destruction of the environment and biodiversity through the use of precious topsoil as fuel for both wood and brick production. Despite this, the kiln continues to operate, seemingly with only the imposition of fines as a consequence.

For a prolonged period, local residents have been demanding the permanent closure of this illegal brick kiln. However, for reasons that remain unclear, no decisive action has been taken to shut it down. Farmers warn that if this illegal operation persists, they will be compelled to initiate protests.

According to the Brick Making and Kiln Establishment (Control) Act-2013, specifically Section 5, the cutting of agricultural land or soil from hills for brick production and its use as raw material is strictly prohibited. Section 15 of the same act stipulates a penalty of up to two years imprisonment or a fine not exceeding two lakh taka for violating Section 5. Furthermore, the High Court has mandated the closure of all illegal brick kilns nationwide and banned the use of wood as fuel in these operations. Yet, multiple sources confirm that AMM, the owner of the brick kiln, continues to disregard these regulations.

On April 19, 2025, the Department of Environment, in collaboration with the upazila administration, conducted a mobile court and fined the AMM brick kiln 1.5 lakh taka for operating in violation of regulations. However, the kiln was not subsequently closed. Affected residents allege that the kiln owner, Amjad Digor, is operating under undue influence. The fires at this brick kiln have caused significant damage to a variety of crops, including paddy, betel leaf, pointed gourd (patal), and brinjal (eggplant).

The Upazila Agriculture Department has taken cognizance of the extensive crop damage. On Saturday, April 26, Agriculture Officer Kamrul Islam and Additional Agricultural Extension Officer Abdul Mannan, accompanied by affected farmers, inspected the damaged fields.

The report from the Upazila Agricultural Extension Department revealed significant losses: out of 7,104 hectares of paddy in the Bidrika area, 58 farmers lost 19.8 metric tons, incurring a financial loss of 693,000 taka. In the 1,317 hectares dedicated to betel leaf, 7 farmers lost 1.5 hectares, amounting to a loss of 25,000 taka. Twelve farmers cultivating 204 hectares of pointed gourd suffered losses valued at 20,000 taka, and 7 farmers cultivating 51 hectares of brinjal experienced a loss of 12,000 taka. The total estimated crop loss stands at approximately 750,000 taka.

Beyond the immediate crop damage caused by the toxic smoke, the leaves of various fruit trees, including mango, jackfruit, and litchi, have curled and the fruits have prematurely fallen. Even though the smoke has temporarily subsided, new crops and existing plants continue to suffer damage due to residual toxic chemical reactions.

The affected farmers vehemently allege that the AMM illegal brick kiln, owned by influential individuals Amjad, Haji Siraj, and Gias Uddin from the Bidrika area, is responsible for the destruction of their crops. They assert that the excessive fuel used in the kiln generates toxic smoke that has effectively burnt their paddy fields and other cultivations.

Farmers expressed their despair, stating that their hopes for a good harvest have been extinguished by the kiln's toxic emissions. They now face uncertainty about their food security for the rest of the year and fear the long-term health consequences of the continuous smoke pollution, including respiratory illnesses, lung problems, liver failure, cough, tuberculosis, kidney diseases, and cancer. They are united in their demand for the permanent closure of all such illegal kilns.

Local rice farmers Nazrul, Miraj, Sabuj, Selim, Sujan, Kawsar, and Dulal lamented the burning of their hopes and their anxieties about feeding their families. Betel leaf farmers Jasim, Siraj, Azahar, and Rustam highlighted the existing challenges of root rot disease in betel vines, compounded by the devastation caused by the brick kiln's smoke. They emphasized the irreplaceable nature of their losses and the urgent need to stop the illegal kiln operating in their residential area. The residents of several villages are deeply distressed by the continued operation of this illegal brick kiln despite numerous incidents and have urgently appealed to the Agriculture and Environment Advisor for intervention.

In response to these allegations, AMM brick kiln owner Gias Uddin attributed the crop damage to a "fireman's mistake" involving the use of double the required fuel. He stated that compensation would be provided to the affected individuals but evaded a direct answer when questioned about the kiln's operation in a densely populated and agricultural area.

Upazila Executive Officer Ayesha Siddika stated that no written complaint has been filed regarding this specific incident. However, she confirmed that a report from the Department of Agricultural Extension has been forwarded to higher authorities, and necessary action will be taken based on their directives.

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