Chhatak (Sunamganj) Correspondent

Nearly 200 wood-burning paju or lime kilns have been built in Chhat, Sunamganj without a permit from the Department of Environment. These pajus burn about 1,400 tons of wood every month.

On the one hand, this has led to a shortage of fuel wood, while on the other hand, pressure is increasing on forests and the environment. The black smoke, lime powder, and stench emitted from the pajus are also posing an increasing public health risk.

These nests have been established in various places in the upazila, including on both banks of the Surma River, on both sides of the Chhatak-Gobindaganj road, in Boula and Tatikona areas, in the past few months. Locals complain that their number is increasing day by day due to the lack of effective monitoring by the Department of Environment, Forest Department and local administration.

According to local sources, Chhatak was once known for limestone and lime industry. After the traditional method of burning limestone with straw and chaff was stopped due to environmental reasons, this business became more centered in Narayanganj. Although limestone is burned using gas there, production has recently been disrupted due to gas shortage and various environmental problems. This has increased the price of lime. Taking this opportunity, new wood-burning kilns have started to be built in different areas of Chhatak for a few months.

According to the information of the concerned people, limestone is burned twice a month in each Paju. An average of about seven tons of firewood is required per month in a Paju. Accordingly, about 1,400 tons of wood are being burned per month in about 200 Paju.

The huge demand for wood has also affected the firewood market in Chhatke. According to locals, wood that used to cost Tk 120 is now being sold for Tk 300. To meet the demand, 20 to 30 timber trucks and pickups from different upazilas of Sylhet division are entering Chhatke every day. This is also increasing the risk of illegal logging from the forest area.

While burning limestone in the kilns, thick black smoke is spreading to the surrounding areas. Lime powder and stench are mixed in the air. Pedestrians and local residents are also suffering due to the installation of these kilns not only near residential areas but also along river banks and roads. At the same time, there is a risk of accidents due to the lack of adequate safety measures for the workers working in the kilns.

Locals have alleged that these illegal dumps have been operating for nearly six months without a permit from the Department of Environment. Although these environmentally destructive activities are going on under the noses of the administration, they are not being effectively stopped. They have demanded that these illegal dumps be closed immediately.

Chhatak Upazila Health Officer Dr. Nusrat Jahan said, "The number of environmental-related patients in Chhatak is already high because of the presence of industries in this upazila. It has increased further in the last few months."

However, Salek Mia, president of the Paju Businessmen's Association, and Ashraful Alam, general secretary, admitted that there was some damage to the environment and said, "This is an ancient business of Chhatak. Many people are involved in this business. If it suddenly stops, they will become helpless. If revenue is collected from these institutions with environmental clearances, both the government and the businessmen will benefit."

KBM Ferdus, Bit Officer of Chhatak Forest Department, said, "We have a manpower shortage. It is difficult to conduct the operation with only two people. Efforts are being made to take legal action in consultation with the Upazila Nirbahi Officer."

Sunamganj Environment Department Director Md. Mohaiminul Haque said, "These institutions do not have any clearance from the Environment Department. We have given them notices and fined them. A letter has been sent to the Forest Department to stop the supply of firewood. We have also spoken to the local administration. We will sit with them and decide what to do next. Since these institutions are harmful to the environment, we have not given clearance. We are working to close them down."

Chhatak UNO Md. Mohi Uddin said, "A meeting will be held soon with the Department of Environment and the owners of the Paju. Necessary measures will be taken after investigating how they are operating without permission."