DoE seals off air-polluting battery factories in Dhaka's Konapara

The Department of Environment (DoE) has sealed off all air-polluting battery factories in Konapara's landfill area and Samadnagar following a rigorous three-day operation.

Last night (30 March), the DoE's mobile court conducted extensive raids across Jatrabari, covering areas such as Manda, Samadnagar, Sharifpur, Moyla Road Junction, and Konapara.

During the operation, all cast iron factories in these locations were found to be non-operational, reads a Environment, Forset and Climate Change Ministry press release.

The crackdown extended to the vicinity of Green Model Town, where all types of factories, including cast iron units, were also found shut down.

Residents of Konapara accompanied the mobile court, confirming that no battery factories were in operation.

They assured the authorities that any attempts to restart such factories would be reported immediately.

The operation was carried out with the presence of Jatrabari police, including patrol and line police, alongside local residents who actively participated in the enforcement drive.

The illegal lead battery factories were emitting smoke, causing air pollution throughout the entire region.

In response to complaints from local residents, the DoE conducted drives in the area and shut down all the polluting factories, the release added.