A mobile court raid in Gazipur’s Sreepur uncovered an illegal lead battery recycling facility, seizing smelting equipment amid allegations of severe air pollution, environmental damage, and health risks.
A mobile court-led drive by the Upazila administration on Wednesday uncovered an illegal lead-acid battery recycling facility allegedly burning used batteries to extract lead in the Mansurabad area of Maona Union under Sreepur upazila in Gazipur.
The raid, conducted around 3:00 pm near Idris Park along the Maona-Kaliganj regional road, targeted the facility following complaints of severe environmental pollution. Sensing the presence of authorities, individuals linked to the operation fled the scene, leaving behind machinery, furnaces and raw materials used in lead smelting.
Officials later seized equipment used for extracting lead from burned batteries, including furnaces and other processing tools. Authorities said further legal steps would be taken following an investigation.
According to local sources, the plant had been operating for a long time, burning discarded batteries in open furnaces and releasing thick black smoke and a foul odour that spread across nearby residential areas, posing serious environmental and public health risks.
Residents said the continuous emissions had severely deteriorated air quality in the locality, with children, elderly people and asthma patients suffering the most. They also alleged that livestock and poultry in the area were being affected due to prolonged exposure to toxic fumes.
“We see black smoke spreading day and night. Children and elderly people are suffering and even livestock are being affected. This needs to be stopped immediately,” said local resident Sujon.
Another resident, Sadi Hossain Bhuiyan, said the plant had previously been shut down by authorities but later resumed operations.
“Multiple furnaces were being used at night, spreading pollution across the area. We had even planned protests over the issue,” he said.
A worker at the facility, requesting anonymity, admitted that the working conditions were hazardous.
“We work here out of necessity, but the smoke and smell often make it difficult to breathe,” he said.
Maona Union Ward-9 member Abdus Sattar said the operation posed a serious threat to public health and the environment, calling for immediate and effective intervention.
Assistant Commissioner (Land) Saiful Islam, who led the drive, said action was taken based on complaints of environmental pollution.
“We have seized various materials from the site. The matter will be investigated and legal action will be taken accordingly,” he said.
Sohanur Rahman said such incidents reflect a wider governance gap in environmental enforcement and hazardous waste management.
“Illegal lead recycling operations in residential areas are not only regulatory violations but also long-term public health disasters. Strong monitoring, accountability and community-based vigilance are essential to prevent recurrence,” he said.
Environmental experts warned that burning lead from used batteries releases highly toxic particles into the air, which can cause long-term damage to the nervous system, respiratory system and kidneys. They also cautioned that contamination of soil and water could severely impact agriculture, aquatic life and biodiversity.
Khorshed Alam, Chairman of River and Nature Foundation, said lead smelting in populated areas is extremely hazardous and unacceptable.
“Such activities must be stopped immediately through proper investigation and strict enforcement,” he said.
Locals and environmental activists have demanded a permanent shutdown of illegal lead-smelting operations in the area and strict legal action against those responsible to protect public health, livestock and the environment.
