Ctg's Prantik dockyard sandblasting sparks respiratory illness surge among children, elderly
The activity, carried out nightly from dusk until dawn, fills the area with dust and toxic particles. Villagers say hundreds of children and elderly people have fallen ill with respiratory diseases, including pneumonia
A dockyard owned by the Prantik Group in Ichhanagar village of Charpatharghata union under Karnaphuli upazila, Chattogram, is facing outrage for running sandblasting operations that residents say are polluting the air and endangering lives.
The activity, carried out nightly from dusk until dawn, fills the area with dust and toxic particles. Villagers say hundreds of children and elderly people have fallen ill with respiratory diseases, including pneumonia.
Environmental experts warn that sandblasting in crowded neighbourhoods poses serious health and environmental risks.
Idris Ali, former professor of chemistry at Chattogram College, explained that the process generates clouds of dust laced with chemical particles.
"When inhaled, these particles can cause respiratory illnesses. They also settle on soil and wash into nearby rivers, creating long-term threats to both health and the ecosystem," he said.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
He stressed that dockyards using such methods should never be allowed in densely populated areas because of the hazards involved.
Locals say they have already lodged complaints with the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO), local Union Parishad chairman, the Department of Environment (DoE), and the Deputy Commissioner of Chattogram seeking action.
The DoE confirmed that its officials had visited the site and ordered the yard to stop sandblasting. However, defying the directive, the yard continued operations at night.
Frustrated by the continued operation, more than a hundred residents left their homes around 11pm on Friday to protest beside the dockyard, demanding an immediate shutdown.
Locals also allege the dockyard was illegally built on government land, occupying public roads and creating hazards with heavy vehicles. A child was previously killed in an accident linked to the yard's traffic. Now, sandblasting machines used to strip paint and rust from ships are coating houses, trees, and farmland in a thick layer of dust.
"Even with masks, we cannot breathe safely," said Amirul Islam, a resident.
Union Parishad member Mahmudul Haque Sumon said, "We have repeatedly asked the company to stop, but they refuse to follow the rules."
The DoE insists it has already intervened. Senior chemist Jannatul Ferdous said, "We visited the site and ordered them to stop. Further action is in process. If they continue violating rules, legal measures will be taken."
UNO Sajib Kanti Rudra confirmed, "We have received the complaint and held meetings with both parties. We are investigating why the blasting continues despite the ban."
"There is also an allegation that the yard has occupied a road. The Assistant Commissioner (Land) has been assigned to investigate the matter," he added.
Despite repeated attempts, Prantik Dockyard Chairman Md Golam Sarwar could not be reached for comment.
However, rejecting all allegations from local residents, Advocate Nizam Uddin, manager (legal affairs) of Prantik Dockyard, told The Business Standard, "The yard launched operations on 20 August. It was our first ship project. We began a trial sandblasting operation on 7 September after taking all precautionary measures by surrounding the entire ship with tarpaulins. After receiving a verbal order from the Department of Environment, we suspended the operation on 10 September."
"A gang of local extortionists has been provoking residents against us after we refused to meet their illegal demands, which led to the violent protest on 12 September. Some local youths formed a mob and vandalised several establishments in the yard," he alleged.
Regarding the allegation of occupying government land, Advocate Nizam said, "The land locals are claiming as government property is actually ours, purchased legally. We have already submitted all relevant documents to the assistant commissioner [land] office."
On reports of a child's death in an accident, he said, "The yard was never involved in such an incident. It is sheer propaganda against the company."
