The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change conducted a series of mobile courts across the country on Monday, issuing fines and closing down illegal operations.

A total of 38 cases were filed, and fines amounting to Tk 1 crore 24 lakh and 30 thousands were collected for violations related to illegal brick kilns.

During the operation, 11 brick kiln chimneys were demolished, halting their activities, while orders were issued to shut down 15 other brick kilns.

In a separate mobile court operation targeting vehicle emissions, seven drivers were warned for emitting black smoke, while another mobile court took action against noise pollution. Seven vehicle drivers were cautioned, and three hydraulic horns were seized.

HC orders immediate action to halt illegal brick kilns in CHT

Additionally, in the ongoing anti-plastic campaign, a mobile court fined three establishments a total of Tk 9,000 and seized 29 kilograms of banned polythene.

Three other mobile courts imposed fines totaling Tk 35,000 on six companies for improperly storing construction materials in open spaces, contributing to air pollution.

The operation also led to the closure of a charcoal factory in Savar.

Following the order of Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, and with the approval of the Ministry of Public Administration, 11 officials from the Ministry of Environment have been appointed as executive magistrates to oversee these operations.

The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change has stated that the pollution control initiative will continue.