Charcoal made by burning wood at Banai village in Kathalia, locals fear health risks

Charcoal is being produced commercially by burning wood in a manner highly risky for the environment at Banai village in Kathalia upazila of Jhalokathi. The activity is under way beside the Bakar canal, northward from the west bank of the Tafser ferry ghat in Chechrirampur Union.

Local people claim about 50 kilns have been set up in the village where wood is burned regularly. The accused kiln owner, Rabiul Islam, however, said there are 23 kilns there, owned by three people.

Kathalia Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dr Tapas Kumar Talukdar said charcoal production by burning wood could put public health in the area at grave risk. Children, the elderly and especially pregnant women could suffer asthma, coughs, breathing difficulties and other complex diseases. Excess carbon dioxide and black smoke emitted from the kilns are damaging the environmental balance.

Demand for wood from these kilns is increasing local wood theft. Concerned quarters also fear a growing tendency toward crime among small children who cut wood from gardens and sell it to the kiln owners.

Investigation found the charcoal produced is not limited to the local level; it is supplied to blacksmiths at Parerhat in the neighbouring district of Pirojpur. As the blacksmiths use this charcoal all year round, the group continues the business.

Anjuman Nesa, assistant director of the Department of Environment's Jhalokathi district office, said there is no environmental approval of any kind for making charcoal by burning wood in Kathalia. It is completely illegal, and action will be taken quickly in coordination with the Upazila Nirbahi Officer, she said.

Kathalia UNO Mokbul Hossain said the activity is completely illegal. After discussion with the Department of Environment, those involved will be brought under the law very quickly and given strict punishment, he said.

Local people have called on the administration to take visible, effective steps to protect the area's environment and public health.