Photo : Messenger
The authority of Sonar Modina Spinning Mills is facing allegations that they have cut the Sirajganj-Nalka regional road to install pipes, intending to redirect all the mill's contaminated water into the Phuljor river through an unauthorized pipeline.
This action has been reported to have adverse environmental effects, causing the release of polluted water and emitting a foul odor.
The incident took place in Kutirchar area of Bhadraghat Union in Kamarkhand Upazila. On Thursday morning, locals observed that the spinning mill had cut the road to install pipes without following proper government procedures. Instead of boring under the road and laying the pipes, the road was directly cut, raising concerns about potential road damage. The spinning mill owners not only encroached upon the road and townships but also filled septic tanks and canals with mill waste.
The Sirajganj-Nalka regional road is a vital route for numerous cargo trucks, buses, and vehicles on a daily basis. However, the irresponsible cutting of the road by Sonar Modina Spinning Mills has heightened the risk of road deterioration. Residents reported that the influential mill owners aimed to discharge polluted wastewater into the river through the installed pipe. Local inhabitants intervened to halt the pipe installation, as they feared for their homes and alleged threats from the mill owners.
The mill's manager, Saiful Islam, claimed that the pipes were installed following government norms and assured that there would be no harm to the road.
Bhadraghat Union Chairman, Abdul Malek, pledged to address the issue after being informed by local residents. However, Abdullah Al Baki, a partner of Sonar Medina Spinning Mills, claimed ignorance and said the mill manager would contact for further information before hanging up.
Sirajganj Road and Township Deputy Assistant Engineer (SO) Kayshar Ahmed conducted a ground inspection and ordered the mill officials to cease the work upon confirming the truth. Abdur Gafur, Deputy Director of Sirajganj Environment Department, highlighted the unplanned development of industrial plants in Bangladesh, stressing that many factories discharge untreated effluents into rivers without proper approval.
Sirajganj Road and Township Executive Engineer, Abul Kalam Azad, asserted that legal action would be taken if the pipes were not installed according to government norms. Additionally, action was promised regarding the construction of toilets by encroaching on public space. The lack of Environment Department approval for Sonar Medina Spinning Mills raised concerns about the environmental impact of their operations.
Messenger/Fameema
