Toxic brick kilns damage crops

Toxic gas from brick kilns in Badalgachhi and Manda upazilas of Naogaon has damaged Irri-Boro paddy on 200 acres of land along with fruit orchards leaving farmers there with heavy losses. According to farmers, similar damage to their crops happened last year as well because of the brick kilns.

Brick kilns are hazardous to the environment in general. Apart from the damage they can cause to crops, they can also be deadly to the surrounding environment and human health. That is why it is particularly surprising as to why these brick kilns were located right in the middle of the surrounding farmlands, as there is no question whether crops can be damaged by the toxic gas they produce.

Yet, officials at the brick kilns in question have denied that they were responsible for the damage done to crops. Disappointingly, this is often the attitude of those associated with brick kilns across the country when the pollution their brick kilns produce are brought to the forefront. According to an agriculture officer at the Department of Agriculture Extension, however, who had visited the spot, the allegations made by the farmers were, indeed, true.

Under the circumstances, the authorities should force the brick kiln owners to compensate the farmers accordingly, after conducting a thorough investigation. Furthermore, if what the farmers have alleged is proved to be true beyond a doubt, the authorities should also make sure that these brick kilns are relocated to somewhere where they cannot cause such damages.