In Ajgarkathi village of Nalotona union in Barguna district, coal production in illegal wood-burning furnaces has now become a serious environmental and public health crisis.

Due to the silent role of the Barguna District Environment Department, the surrounding towns are practically suffocated by the toxic smoke constantly emitted from multiple furnaces built along the banks of the Bishkhali River. Locals complain that these furnaces do not have any environmental clearance or administrative approval.

Nevertheless, despite the open production of coal by burning wood, the situation is becoming more dire day by day due to the lack of effective monitoring. Children, women and the elderly are suffering from breathing problems, dizziness, vomiting, eye irritation and long-term diseases due to exposure to smoke day after day.

Even keeping the doors and windows of the house closed does not protect against the smoke, especially at night when the stove is open, making it almost impossible to sleep. Aminul Islam Sabuj, a resident of Azgarkathi village, said that living at home has become difficult due to the illegal stove. It has become a burden to survive with young children.

Despite repeated visits to the Department of Environment and the administration, no permanent solution has been found. The officials of the environment office are sitting there eating a large amount of money, who will shut down this stove?

Housewife Shirin Akhter Moyna said that when I sit down to eat, the smell of smoke makes me vomit, and I cannot sleep at night. When I complain, I get threats, so everyone is afraid. Local fish trader Abul Kalam said that the crops are being severely damaged due to the effect of the smoke. Children are not able to study, and the environment of the entire area is on the verge of destruction.

He also said that if I speak out against the stove, the people from the owner show fear and even threaten me with beatings. On the other hand, the workers working in the furnace say that this work is their only source of livelihood. Worker Sobhan Khan said that they earn about 1,000 taka daily to support their family. If the furnace is closed, their family will be in extreme crisis.

On the one hand, this has exacerbated the conflict between employment and on the other hand, the environment and public health. The owner of the furnace, Kabir Mridha, admitted that they do not have any legal permission. We operate with verbal permission from the Barguna District Environment Office.

When asked how much money it costs to get verbal permission, he said, “Sir, you are a good person.”

However, he claims that it is possible to reduce environmental damage by using modern technology if we get government assistance. Another owner, Masud Fitter, said that even large industries are polluting the environment. Then why are raids being conducted repeatedly on small establishments?

In this regard, Barguna Sadar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md. Abdul Alim said that the in-charge of Babuganj outpost has been ordered to conduct an on-site investigation and submit a report, and measures will be taken to close the illegal furnace in coordination with the Upazila Executive Officer.

Barguna Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Animesh Biswas said that the district administration will quickly conduct a mobile court and take legal action against the illegal furnace. The district officer could not be found despite multiple visits to the Barguna District Environment Department. Assistant Director Hayat Mahmud Rakib could not be contacted on his mobile phone for comment.

Although coal production by burning wood without permission is a punishable offense according to the Environment Act, its effective implementation is rarely seen in practice.

On the one hand, the argument of employment, on the other hand, the question of protecting human life and the environment, if quick and effective steps are not taken to balance the two, conscious circles fear that Azgarkathi and the surrounding towns will face permanent environmental disaster.