River blocked at Sirajdikhan to facilitate brick kiln

Munshiganj 

A Baluchar Union Parishad member has initiated a move to construct an approach road splitting a distributary of the river Dhaleshwari at Siranjdikhan upazila under the district to facilitate supplies to a brick field.

During a visit to the spot, it was found that the road was being constructed across the river to facilitate supply of raw materials to the UP member-owned brick kiln National Bricks on the bank of the river. 

The UP member Amzad Hossen said the river became dead four years ago.

Justifying the construction of the approach road, Amzad said the road was being developed on demand of the local people. Local people, however, remained silent against the river grabbing fearing harsh consequences. 

They told this correspondent that the river was lifeline to their economic activities and a water-source for household activities. They also raised concerns over the unauthorised brick kiln owned by Amzad. 

Sirajdikhan upazila nirbahi officer Tanbir Mohammad Tanbir said they would take necessary actions if any violation of law was found. Baluchar UP chairman Abu Bakkar Siddique said the UP member was asked to halt construction of the road. 

Senior chemist of the district’s Department of Environment Abdullah Al Mamun said Amzad’s brick kiln had no clearance certificate. He said in no way the approach road splitting the river would be allowed.

•  Courtesy: The New Age Mar 25, 2018