An influential person has allegedly encroached on a canal and set up a poultry farm at Ghritokandi village under Bethuri union in Kashiani upazila of Gopalganj.
The poultry farm is causing water pollution and posing health hazards to locals as thousands of villagers use canal water for ablution, bathing, cooking, washing dishes and clothes. Waste from the poultry farm—including chicken droppings and other residues—is falling into the canal, contaminating its water.
As a result, people, including children, are being affected by waterborne diseases such as diarrhoea, dysentery, typhoid and skin diseases. Consequently, thousands of residents living in three villages along the canal are now at serious health risk.
Allegations have been raised against Asim Sarkar, brother of UP member Asit Sarkar and a resident of Ghritokandi village in the upazila, for occupying the canal and setting up the poultry farm.
Even after filing complaints with the Kashiani upazila administration, villagers say they received no remedy.
Using his influence, Asim Sarkar has been running a poultry business by setting up a farm right inside the Ramdia–Rajpat canal. Chicken droppings and various types of waste from the farm are polluting the canal water.
During visit to Ghritokandi village on Friday (December 5), it was observed that two large poultry sheds had been constructed inside the canal using bamboos and CI sheets. Waste from the poultry farm was released into the water, rendering the canal unusable.
Sujon Bain, a resident of the village, complained that the Ramdia–Rajpat canal has long been used for daily household needs, bathing, and livestock care. “Asim Sarkar built the poultry farm by occupying the canal after forming close ties with Awami League leaders. Later, we submitted a written complaint to the Upazila Nirbahi Officer. Although he assured us of taking action, nothing happened. We want clean canal water. We also demand the removal of the poultry farm,” he said.
Rubel Molla of Ramdia Purbo Para said, “We use this canal water for bathing and cooking. Some locals make a living by catching fish from the canal. A few days ago, we saw dead chickens being dumped into the canal from the farm. Chicken droppings and feed medication are also being washed into the water. After seeing this, we stopped using canal water and switched to tube-well water for the time being.”
Rafique Sardar of Ramdia Uttar Para said, “Using this polluted canal water, many people are suffering from diarrhoea, skin diseases, dysentery, and typhoid. Children and the elderly are the worst sufferers. We demand immediate removal of the poultry farm from the canal in the interest of public health.”
Asim Sarkar’s brother Asit Sarkar admitted to public suffering. “The poultry farm is polluting the canal. We do own land in that area. My brother is not at home right now—he is absconding in connection with a case. Once he returns, I will speak to him about the matter.”
Gopalganj District Livestock Officer Dr. Gobinda Chandra Sardar said, “Poultry farms cannot be set up over open or closed water bodies. Such farms pollute water bodies, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases. Therefore, these types of poultry farms pose a threat to the environment and public health. We are conducting awareness campaigns to discourage such practices.”
At district-level development and coordination meetings, a decision was made to conduct mobile court operations to shut down such farms, he said.
“However, many entrepreneurs have invested large sums of money in the poultry sector. They have been advised to close such farms voluntarily. If they fail to do so, action will be taken against them.”
Kashiani Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md. Shahin Mia said, “The previous UNO served here only for a short period. Villagers may have submitted their complaints to him, but due to time constraints, he perhaps could not take action. I joined here on December 2. To protect the environment, prevent canal pollution, and safeguard public health, I will look into the matter.”
