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Impacts of Brick Fields on Environment and Social Economy at Bagatipara, Natore, Bangladesh

M. F. Jerin*
Department of Environmental Science and Resource Management, Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, Tangail-1902, Bangladesh

S. K. Mondol
Department of Environmental Science and Resource Management, Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, Tangail-1902, Bangladesh

B. C. Sarker
Department of Environmental Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh

R. H. Rimi
Department of Environmental Science and Resource Management, Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, Tangail-1902, Bangladesh

S. Aktar
Department of Environmental Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

This study investigated environmental and socio-economic impacts of brick fields at Bagatipara upazila of Natore district, Bangladesh. A questionnaire survey was conducted at selected community members living at or near brick field areas with aim to assess impacts of brick fields on air, water, soil, vegetation as well as socio-economic conditions. Findings of this study were based on randomly selected respondents’ perception on change of any resource or condition. Crop loss, decreased soil fertility and subsequent reductions in crop production were reported. Trees around brickfields were dusted badly and water quality of nearby water bodies deteriorated because of emerged dust and ash from brick fields. Noticeable negative impacts on aquaculture were found. Except few, majority of the respondents were suffering from various diseases like eye irritation, skin diseases and respiratory problems. Despite creating work opportunities for local people, brick fields of the study area adversely affected environment and social economy.

Keywords: Agriculture, Aquaculture, Brickfields, Environmental Pollution, Socio-economic impact

Location: Bagatipara upazila of Natore district, Bangladesh

Start Date:

End Date:

Program Area: Socio-economic and Policy

Non-commodity: Pollution

Objectives:

The study aimed to reveal changes in socioeconomic and environmental aspects what the respondents observed before and after establishment of brickfields around them. Resulting information was expected to indicate positive or negative impacts of the brickfields on agriculture, aquaculture and socioeconomic condition of the study area.

Methodology:

Study Area Bagatipara is located at 24.3306°N and 88.944°E with an area of 139.37 km². The main occupation of this area is agriculture comprising 40.04% among all occupation types. The land use pattern is characterized by single, double and triple crop which covers 34%, 42% and 24%, respectively, where cultivable land under irrigation is 34%. The cultivable land is 11,000 hectares and fallow land is 243 hectares (Community Report, 2012). Data collection Primary data were collected by a questionnaire survey on local people. For the questionnaire survey, a total of 107 people were selected randomly at the study area. However, all respondents were later divided in two groups (i) the owner and workers of brickfields in category-1 consisting of a total 57 respondents and (ii) the affected people living around the brickfields in category-2 consisting of a total 50 respondents. By field observation, total six brickfields were found in the study area and so the survey was conducted in and around these brickfields. The socio-economic impacts of brickfield on a participant were assessed in terms of his/her occupation, income, health and housing conditions. Environmental impacts of brickfield were assessed in terms of changes in soil fertility, agricultural production, vegetation, fish production, air quality and water quality on the basis of how respondents found these after construction of brick kilns. Secondary data and information for this study were collected from relevant books, daily national newspapers, journals and websites. Data processing and analysis Collected data were analyzed by SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Science) software and later plotted using Microsoft Office Excel.

Source of Information: J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 9(2): 31-34, 2016 ISSN 1999-7361

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

Budget:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

From the study it was found that most of the brickfields of the study area were located near agricultural lands and residential areas those were responsible for loss of agricultural production, fish cultivation and local community’s health problems in great extent. Besides, brick fields were considered as the principle reason of top soil degradation and environmental pollution of the area.

Knowledge Management: Journal