In a decisive move against environmental pollution, the Department of Environment, in collaboration with the upazila administration, conducted a special operation to demolish two illegal lead manufacturing factories in the Sagardighi area of Ghatail upazila, Tangail. The operation, which took place on Wednesday from noon until 5 pm, was led by Executive Magistrate Kishore Kumar Das and carried out under the guidance of Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Environment Adviser to the Interim Government, following appeals from the environmental organization YouthNet Global.
The factories had been illegally producing lead by burning old batteries in a remote forest area, releasing harmful toxic fumes. These emissions had long been a source of severe respiratory problems among local residents and had resulted in the death of livestock and wildlife. The surrounding biodiversity and environment had also been gravely affected.
Despite numerous complaints from local communities, no prior action had been taken, with many accusing influential circles of protecting the factories. However, on the day of the raid, the factory owners were notably absent from the site. Heavy machinery was used to completely demolish all factory structures, ensuring the facilities could no longer operate.
Mia Mahmudul Haque, Deputy Director of the Department of Environment in Tangail, commented on the successful operation, stating, “We will continue such operations to protect the environment from illegal activities like this in Tangail.”
The local community, which had suffered for years, expressed their relief following the operation but emphasized the need for continued vigilance and regular monitoring to prevent the resurgence of such factories.
Sohanur Rahman, Executive Coordinator of YouthNet Global, remarked, “This campaign has not only brought relief to the local people but marks a significant step towards environmental justice. We hope the administration will continue to take similar actions regularly to protect our natural resources from further damage.”
In International Lead Pollution Prevention Week, The operation is viewed as a major victory in the ongoing fight to safeguard the environment and public health in the region, with further efforts expected to maintain environmental integrity in Tangail, added Sohanur.
