Staff Reporter: – In the Ghagra village of the Azgana Union in the Mirzapur Upazila of Tangail, coal is being illegally produced by burning wood behind Aslam's brick kiln. This activity is posing a serious threat to the lives, health, and environment of the local people. Locals report that the smoke from daily coal production is disrupting their normal way of life and threatening the balance of forests and climate.

Upon visiting the site, it was found that Hasem Sikder, the son of Yar Uddin Sikder, and Billal are jointly operating two illegal coal furnaces daily. These furnaces burn wood to produce coal, leading to the indiscriminate cutting of various species of trees in the forest. Raw materials such as Gajari, Garjan, Segun, Akashmoni, and Pikrashi—valuable forest trees—are being used. The irregular and indiscriminate cutting of these trees is destabilizing the forest ecosystem.

The black smoke emitted from these furnaces spreads to surrounding areas, directly affecting the respiratory, eye, and skin health of the people. Locals have reported an increase in respiratory issues, asthma, eye irritation, skin diseases, and the risk of long-term lung problems, especially among children, the elderly, and women. Health experts have warned that prolonged exposure to such smoke through inhalation can lead to respiratory infections, long-term lung damage, and allergic diseases.

The smoke from the illegal coal furnaces and the deforestation caused by the raw material extraction are also having severe environmental impacts. Mirzapur Upazila has about 15,800 hectares of government-owned forest land, which is home to various valuable tree species such as Gajari, Garjan, Segun, Akashmoni, and Pikrashi. These forests are essential for regulating local climate, soil protection, and providing habitats for wildlife. Deforestation poses the risk of soil erosion, reduced rainwater absorption, and affects the water flow of rivers and canals.

Furthermore, the illegal coal furnaces are disrupting the daily lives of the local population. Due to the smoke, students are facing difficulties attending school and studying. Locals state that the air is so filled with smoke that it is hard for children to go to school and play outside. Women are suffering from respiratory problems while cooking and performing household chores, while the elderly are facing long-term asthma and other respiratory issues.

Additionally, the illegal coal production activities are threatening local biodiversity. Many species of birds, snakes, frogs, and other animals reside in the forests. Deforestation is destroying their habitats, creating a food shortage, and leading to a decrease in animal populations. Environmentalists have warned that the long-term destruction of forests could endanger the entire ecosystem.

Locals have raised concerns that the coal furnaces have been operating for an extended period due to administrative neglect. "If the administration does not intervene quickly, our environment and way of life will be destroyed," said one local youth. Others have added that the illegal activities not only pose health risks but also cause social and economic harm. The forest and afforestation programs were once helping to enrich the local economy through forest resources and fruit-bearing trees, but the illegal furnaces are now ruining that opportunity.

Mirzapur Upazila's Assistant Commissioner (Land) Tarek Aziz informed the media, "I will visit the site soon. The illegal coal furnaces will be shut down. We will coordinate with the Forest Department to take action to close these furnaces." Quick action from the administration is the only way to prevent further damage to the local people, forest land, and the environment.

Environmental experts have pointed out that illegal coal furnaces are causing deforestation, climate change, soil erosion, a decline in wildlife and biodiversity, air pollution, and health risks. They have warned that if this issue is not addressed in the long run, the entire area will face an imbalance in both the environment and public life.

The local conscious community has urged the intervention of the Dhaka Division Commissioner, Dhaka Division Environment Department, Tangail District Commissioner, District Police Superintendent, District Environment Department, and the Mirzapur Upazila Administration to quickly conduct a mobile court operation and demolish the illegal coal production factories.