Illegal battery plant pollutes Padma char in Kushtia, threatens farmland

An illegal battery recycling plant has allegedly been operating for around one-and-a-half months on the Padma riverbank in Kushtia, burning old batteries to extract lead and threatening farmland, crops and public health.

The plant is located near Sadipur boat ghat in Char Sadipur union of Kumarkhali upazila, on the premises of an old brick kiln owned by Delwar Hossain.

Locals said trucks carrying old batteries arrive after 11:30pm. Workers then break and burn hundreds of batteries in open fires fuelled by coal and wood, with little activity during the day.

Several workers said Monir Hossain from Pabna has been running the plant for around one-and-a-half months.

Residents alleged that the operation has no environmental safeguards and that lead-laden smoke, dust and chemicals released from burning batteries are contaminating the surrounding air, soil and water. Farmers fear damage to hundreds of bighas of farmland and crops, including bananas and vegetables.

Delwar alleged that Monir was operating the plant after "managing" several influential local people and paying hundreds of thousands of taka monthly to keep it running.

"The environmental damage is severe, and crops are being damaged. I have repeatedly asked them to stop, but the plant has not been shut down. Take action," he said.

Monir admitted over the phone that he was illegally burning batteries to extract lead. He said he had "managed" everyone concerned, but added that wind forces the plant to remain closed on most days and the business is not profitable.

A farmer alleged that the plant was operating under the protection of Hafizur Rahman Tikka, organising secretary of Charsadipur union BNP, and BNP activists Jalal and Hazrat.

While asked, Tikka denied the allegation, saying, "I don't know who is doing what. I am not involved in these things. You talk to Monir."

Golam Azam, general secretary of Charsadipur union BNP, said no BNP member was involved. He said Chhatra Dal activists drove the operators away around 15 days ago, but he did not know whether the plant had resumed.

Kushtia Department of Environment Assistant Director Habibul Basar said batteries contain sulphuric acid and that openly breaking them increases lead levels in the air.

"This is extremely harmful to the environment, soil and public health," he said, adding that battery recycling requires proper environmental safeguards.

Kumarkhali Upazila Assistant Commissioner (Land) Navid Sarowar said the administration would investigate and take necessary action.