Local farmers in Matia village of Sirajganj's Tarash upazila accused crops being damaged due to harmful smoke from brick kilns in the area.
According to written complaints to various government offices including Tarash Upazila administration, about 12 bighas of Boro paddy of 20 farmers of the village was destroyed by the smoke and more than 100 bighas of crop lands are in jeopardy.
Crop fields and areas can be seen, green paddy fields have turned red due to smoke. The leaves have curled. The sheaf of rice has turned into unfertile dry seed. Not only paddy but also mango and coconut trees have been destroyed.
Affected farmers Abu Saeed, Joynal, Rabiul Islam and Lutfar Rahman complained that their Boro crop was reddened by the poisonous and foul smelling smoke from the brick kiln chimney of Mofazzal Hossain Messrs. MM Brix. The leaves of the tree have curled due to the black smoke.
They also said that they will start harvesting paddy in just 20-22 days. They want the owner of the brick kiln to pay the damages of the crop. They don't want to see brickfields in populated and farmland areas. Let these brickfields be closed.
Mofazzal Hossain, president of Naogaon Union Awami League and owner of Messrs. MM Brix, said, Even then, since the farmers have complained, we will try to compensate. Talks have already been held with the Upazila Agriculture Officer.
Tarash Upazila Agriculture Officer Lutfunnahar Luna said that after receiving the complaint, they went to the spot and talked to the farmers. Farmers have been traditionally asked to provide various medicines for paddy.
If the crop is not protected then action will be taken later. Besides, I do not have the power to take action against the brick kiln. The matter will be looked into by the Department of Environment and the Upazila Nirbahi Officer.
Tarash Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md. Mejbaul Karim said, I have received the complaint from the farmers. Immediate action will be taken against the brick kiln.
