In Jashore’s Abhaynagar upazila, the persistent coal dumping in residential areas near Nawapara municipality is creating significant health and environmental concerns for local residents and students. Approximately 9.5 lakh tonnes of coal are imported annually by 20-22 companies and stored in around 150 depots along a 12-kilometer stretch of the Jashore-Khulna highway. These depots, situated close to homes, schools, agricultural lands, and waterbodies in areas like Rajghat, Prembagh, Taltala, and Chengutia, are often set up without proper permits, violating environmental regulations that require coal storage to be at least one and a half kilometers away from populated areas and enclosed by high walls.
Effects of Coal Dumping
The open storage of coal releases dust and toxic fumes into the air, posing serious health risks. Medical experts warn that prolonged exposure to these pollutants can lead to severe respiratory conditions, including chronic bronchitis and asthma, as well as other health complications. Students attending schools near these depots are particularly vulnerable, as they are exposed daily to polluted air, which can affect their concentration and long-term well-being. Local residents have reported irritation in their eyes and throats, with some developing persistent coughs.
Public Response
Despite community efforts to address the issue, including protests and memoranda submitted to government authorities, little progress has been made. The Department of Environment has acknowledged the violations, and inspections are planned, but residents remain frustrated by the lack of immediate action. The upazila administration has stated that discussions with relevant authorities are ongoing, with measures to be implemented gradually. However, the industrial significance of Nawapara, which relies on coal to power its factories, complicates efforts to relocate or regulate these depots.
What’s Next
Environmentalists emphasize that coal storage must be managed responsibly to protect both public health and the surrounding ecosystem. The current situation not only threatens the health of Abhaynagar’s residents but also risks contaminating nearby waterbodies and farmland, which could have long-term consequences for the region’s agricultural productivity. Immediate steps, such as enforcing stricter regulations and relocating depots away from residential zones, are needed to mitigate these risks and ensure a safer environment for the community.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, July 26th, 2025
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