11 Illegal Brick Kilns Shut Down in Anti-Pollution Drive

Court decision

Dhaka, 3 February: Under the special directives of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the Department of Environment (DoE) conducted mobile court operations across various districts today to take action against air pollution caused by illegal brick kilns, vehicles, and construction activities. A total fine of 40 lakh Taka was imposed during the nationwide drive.

In Meherpur, Magura, Tangail, Madaripur, Manikganj, Khulna, Jhenaidah, and Gazipur, 11 mobile courts conducted operations, filing 25 cases and collecting fines totaling 39 lakhs 70 thousand 7 lakh Taka. Additionally, 11 illegal brick kilns were demolished and their operations halted. In Khulna, approximately two lakh unbaked bricks were destroyed, and fires at four kilns were extinguished with the assistance of the fire service. One more kiln was ordered to cease operations.

In Dhaka’s Jurain area, a mobile court was conducted against vehicles emitting excessive black smoke. Four cases were filed, leading to fines of 7 thousand 500 Taka, while six drivers were warned.

To control air pollution from construction materials, two mobile court operations were carried out in Adabor and Mohammadpur. Four cases resulted in fines of 19 thousand Taka, and several business owners were cautioned.

Another mobile court in Mirpur-1 Kacha Bazar targeted the illegal production and sale of banned polythene. Five cases were filed, imposing fines of 6 thousand 500 Taka.

Additionally, approximately 10 kg of banned polythene was seized across the country, and traders were warned against producing and selling it. – PID Handout