Brick kilns flout rules

Huge logs are kept for burning at a brick kiln, only 200 yards from the Subarnachar upazila administrative office. Photo: STAR

Brick kiln owners in Subarnachar upazila of Noakhali district are flouting government rules, especially regarding burning of firewood, setting up of chimneys and use of land, as there is very lax vigilance by authorities concerned.
As per rule, the brickfield owners can set up their kilns on 1.5 acres of land but they are often using three to five acres of land for the purpose.
Although government rule makes it mandatory to set up 120-feet permanent chimney in the brickfields, only 25-feet tin chimneys are being used and it causes emitted smoke to pollute environment in a much larger scale around the brickfields.
Locals alleged that almost all the brick fields in the area are violating government rules under the very nose of the law enforcers.
During a visit to Aman Brick Field at Halim Bazar, some 200 yards away from Char Jabbar police station and Subarnachar upazila administrative building, this correspondent found that smoke billowing out of the chimneys was seriously polluting the environment.
People living near the brickfields, especially children and elderly people, are often affected with various diseases including bronchitis and asthma, according to local doctors.
Claiming that he does not use 'local wood' in the brickfield, Haji Abdul Kashem, owner of Aman Brick Field, said, "I have been running the brick field in compliance with government rules for the last eight years."
Local people, on the other hand, said the brick field has never used coal since its setting up although some coal has been kept in front of the kiln for a long time.
The law provides for up to 10 years jail and some fine for flouting the rules but it sees hardly any implementation in the district.
People of Subarnachar upazila have demanded immediate intervention by the local administration for safety of people and environment in the area.