A joint operation by the Forest Department and the Department of Environment has recovered a large quantity of plastic waste and kerosene bottles from inside a protected forest area. The operation, conducted from the night of November 12 to the early hours of November 13, uncovered toxic plastic piles illegally dumped in the forest, posing a severe threat to the local ecosystem and biodiversity.
Toxic Plastic Inside the Forest
According to a report by Bangladesh Pratidin, the accumulated plastic waste inside the forest has been described as "plastic poison." During the operation, plastic bottles, polythene, and other non-biodegradable waste were found scattered across multiple locations. These wastes are mixing with the soil and contaminating the water table, gradually destroying the forest's natural balance.
A Forest Department official stated that the dumping had been ongoing for a long period. However, a recent tip-off led to the joint operation. Among the seized kerosene bottles, investigators found traces of a specific industrial establishment's name and address, which is currently reported to be incurring losses.
Link to a Loss-Making Industrial Establishment
A bdnews24 report revealed that the seized kerosene bottles bear the logo and address of an industrial establishment that has been facing financial losses for an extended period. Preliminary investigations suggest that, in an attempt to cut costs, the establishment may have been dumping its production waste and unused kerosene bottles inside the forest.
A source close to the investigation, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, "Due to rising production costs, the establishment is suspected to have resorted to this method to reduce waste management expenses. However, the full picture will only be confirmed after the investigation concludes."
Environmental Impact and Next Steps
Environmentalists warn that dumping plastic waste and kerosene bottles inside the forest is degrading soil fertility and contaminating groundwater. Residual kerosene mixing with the soil could have long-term detrimental effects on the forest's flora and fauna.
The Forest Department has stated that the seized waste and bottles have been preserved as evidence, and preparations are underway to file a case against the industrial establishment under the Environmental Conservation Act. Surveillance has also been intensified to determine whether any further dumping is occurring inside the forest.
A committee has been formed to investigate the matter, which is expected to submit its report within seven working days. Based on the findings, legal action will be taken against those responsible.
