Illegal lead factory in Tangail forest threatens biodiversity

TANGAIL, Nov 10: An illegal lead-processing factory has been set up deep inside a forest in the Malirchala area of Kamalpur, Sagardighi Union, in Ghatail Upazila of Tangail, where old batteries are burned to extract lead, posing a serious threat to the environment, public health and local biodiversity.

Local residents alleged that toxic smoke and chemicals released from the factory have been polluting the surrounding environment for a long time. They fear that the poisonous black smoke is also endangering wildlife and damaging the forest ecosystem.

Despite repeated complaints from residents, the factory has allegedly been operating without any approval under the protection of influential quarters.

A visit to the site found that the factory, owned by a businessman named Rahmatullah, was operating on leased fallow land inside the forest. Workers were seen collecting used batteries, breaking them apart and separating lead, acid and other components.

Around 50 workers, including adults and minors, were seen working at the facility.

Locals alleged that workers separate acid, lead and plastic from old batteries during the day, while the materials are burned in pits at night to extract lead. The process reportedly releases a pungent smell across the area.

They also claimed that the factory's smoke and waste are damaging nearby crops and harming the environment.

Local resident, said workers separate lead mixed with battery acid and plastic during the day before burning the materials at night.

"I have heard that toxic chemicals are released during the process. Trees in the forest and various crops are being damaged," he said.

A Union Parishad member, wishing not to be named, said a joint drive by the Ghatail Upazila administration and the Department of Environment in Tangail had demolished the factory some time ago.

Although operations remained suspended for a few days, the factory has resumed production with the backing of influential quarters, he alleged.

He said a Dhaka-based businessman named Rahmatullah collects old batteries during the day with the assistance of local BNP leaders and burns them throughout the night.

The pungent smell from burning batteries and acid spreads across the surrounding areas, he said, adding that he had repeatedly asked those involved to stop the operation.

The factory manager admitted that the facility was operating illegally, saying the owners had submitted the necessary documents to obtain approval but had yet to receive permission.

He, however, claimed that the factory's location in a remote forest meant it would not cause significant environmental damage.

Contacted, Tangail Deputy Director of the Department of Environment Md Zahirul Islam Talukder said the lead-processing factory in Ghatail was entirely illegal.

He confirmed that old batteries were burned at the facility under cover of darkness, making it difficult for authorities to conduct raids at night.

He said the department would launch an operation against the factory as soon as possible.