Brickfields ruining farmlands

It's a distressing reality that the country's farmers are faced with an ever-spiraling problem of losing their lands and crops to the burgeoning brickfields, such as in Dinajpur's Biral upazila. We are worried to learn that over a hundred acres of agricultural land are being devoured by brickfield owners, and that black fumes from the kiln are scorching the semi-ripe crops in the farmlands near them. Reportedly, this damage to farmers is being done for many seasons, but no permanent actions have been taken by the administration to drive off unscrupulous brickfield owners.

Besides destroying crops with their noxious fumes, brick kilns and brickfields also destroy the physical structure and fertility of the lands on which these are built. Not to mention the adverse effects they have on the health of the nearby population. Even if the brick kilns in farming areas are removed now, it will be many years before they regain their past fertility. A look around the outskirts of the cities and towns reveals that brickfield owners are unstoppable in expanding their reach, usually by greasing the palms of corrupt officials, who help them carry on with their business. It is indeed surprising that thousands of brickfields are operating throughout the country either with no permission from the Department of Environment (DoE) or with permission that expired long ago. Except for some occasional raids and closure of one or two brickfields, we do not hear of any sustained campaigns by the relevant ministries against these polluters. It is understandable that, with rapid urbanisation and industrialisation, demand for the traditionally built bricks is rising every year but it does not give the owners the right to operate without following government instructions. The laws of the land must be enforced to stop illegal brickfield owners from subjecting our already vulnerable environment to long-lasting damage.

According to the Food Planning and Monitoring Unit (FPMU) under the Ministry of Food, land used for agriculture declined at 0.26 per cent annually between 1976 and 2010—and faster after 2000 at 0.45 per cent. Other sources report that croplands have declined by one million hectares since 1976.  Brickfields are one reason for such loss of agricultural land.

We urge the government to take necessary steps to reverse the situation. Experts mention cement blocks as the possible alternative to clay-made bricks, as used in many other countries. In addition, relevant authorities must ensure that brickfields are being operated legally and using the most environmentally-friendly methods possible. Farmers have enough to deal with in terms of unexpected financial hardship (such as the pandemic) and sudden weather disasters (flash floods and droughts). They cannot also be repressed by the misdoings of brickfield owners.