Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association has issued a legal notice demanding closure of a Barishal pyrolysis plant, alleging toxic pollution threatens the Sugandha River, public health, biodiversity and nearby communities.
Bangladesh environmental rights group Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association (BELA) has served a legal notice demanding the closure within seven days of a tyre and plastic pyrolysis factory operating along the banks of the Sugandha River in Barishal district, warning that it will file a public interest petition with the High Court if authorities fail to act.
The notice, titled “Notice of Demand for Justice,” was sent on June 25 by BELA’s Supreme Court lawyer S Hasanul Banna to 10 government officials including representatives of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the Ministry of Industries, the Department of Environment, the Barishal district administration and the police administration.
According to the notice, the Payra Recycling Plant located in Doarika village of Babuganj upazila is operating in violation of several provisions of the Environment Conservation Rules 2023. BELA alleged that black smoke, toxic gases and industrial waste released from the plant pose a serious threat to the local environment, public health and the Sugandha River ecosystem.
The organisation said operating such a polluting industrial facility in a densely populated riverside area is contrary to environmental laws and the public interest. It added that the factory has placed the environment and the livelihoods of local residents under severe threat.
Local resident Moniruzzaman Khokon said the factory was established about four years ago after Bakerganj resident Mizanur Rahman leased farmland from several local farmers. He said residents initially did not understand the harmful impacts of the plant and therefore did not oppose its construction.
However, after toxic black smoke began polluting the surrounding area local residents repeatedly requested the owner to relocate the factory, he said, but no action was taken. Last year residents submitted a memorandum to the Babuganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer protesting the plant’s toxic emissions and pollution, but the move also failed to produce any result.
Factory owner Md Mizanur Rahman rejected the allegations, saying the plant operates with approvals and licences from all relevant government agencies including the Department of Environment, Fire Service and Civil Defence and the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments.
He claimed that a local group has been attempting to shut down the factory for a long time. He also said the plant provides direct employment for 50 people while at least 100 more families depend on its operations through tyre collection and other related activities.
BELA’s Barishal divisional coordinator Lincoln Bayen said polluting industries along the Sugandha River could have serious long-term impacts on the river’s biodiversity, agriculture, fisheries and public health.
He said immediate action is necessary before environmental damage worsens. BELA has therefore issued the legal notice demanding the factory’s closure within seven days. If no action is taken within that period the organisation will file a writ petition before the High Court.
This post is republished from Daily Prothom Alo.
