A 20 year old cotton refining mill in Phultala upazila under Khulna district has been conducting its activities without an environmental clearance certificate from the Department of Environment (DoE), reports UNB.
Sources said the factory located at Poygram Hafrasta along Phultala-Sikirhat road has been causing noise and air pollution resulting in respiratory problems amongst 5,000 people of the upazila.
The owner of Keya Cotton Mill was issued with a notice by the DoE and local administration on July 31, to stop its production and relocate to a suitable location within seven days.
According to locals, several pleas had been made to the concerned authorities however, no action was taken. The locals then lodged a written complaint demanding the factory's immediate relocation.
Upon receiving complaints, Dr Tarun Kanti Shikder, director of Khulna Divisional office of DoE, inspected the factory and found the allegations to be valid.
Sources at DoE said the environmental regulatory authority did not issue any clearance certificate to the cotton factory earlier. The factory also had several cracks that developed on many parts of the multi-storied building. Moreover, it caught fire several times.
The DoE also stressed the fact that the building might collapse at any time causing loss of life and significant property damage.
Syed Mohsin Ali, owner of the factory denied such allegations.
