Unplanned, unregulated and unapproved poultry farms across Feni district are triggering severe environmental pollution, disrupting local biodiversity and putting thousands of residents at risk, according to locals and officials.
Residents have filed repeated complaints with government offices over the growing pollution caused by the mushrooming farms.
The district administration has responded with assurances of action, but meaningful intervention is yet to be seen.
According to data from the Department of Environment (DoE), Feni has 1,367 registered poultry farms, while another 1,814 have applied for environmental clearance.
Among these are 544 layer farms, 856 broiler farms, 384 Sonali farms, eight parent stock layer farms and 22 parent stock broiler farms.
However, the number of illegal and unapproved farms remains unknown. Officials estimate the actual figure to be more than double the number of registered farms.
A visit to several parts of Sonagazi upazila revealed poultry farms built haphazardly on rooftops, in residential yards, beside ponds, on croplands, along canals and directly next to roads.
Despite clear guidelines requiring clearance from the Livestock Department and compliance with structural standards, the vast majority of these farms have ignored the rules altogether.
During recent inspections, this correspondent found many farms operating without environmental clearance or Livestock Department licences, even though existing regulations require either DoE approval or registration with the Livestock Department before a farm can be established.
Because these farms have expanded outside the legal framework, environmental pollution has intensified across Sonagazi and other unions.
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The impact on local ecology is profound, while residents say their daily lives have become increasingly unbearable.
Agricultural lands are suffering extensive damage, with waste from an estimated 95% of the farms polluting water bodies and soil.
Dumped waste is contaminating canals, disrupting irrigation and creating shortages of clean water.
Although guidelines dictate that poultry farms must be located at least 200 metres from residential areas, many have been set up right beside homes, schools and mosques.
The foul odour makes nearby roads difficult to use, and locals report rising illness among residents and students of surrounding educational institutions.
Many residents say farm owners often wield local influence, making it difficult to protest. Those who raise concerns are reportedly harassed or threatened.
Farm waste has also reduced crop yields, while the constant stench makes it difficult for children and adults alike to move around the affected areas.
Mamtaz Begum, a 70-year-old resident of Char Elahi village under Motiganj Union, said she once lived peacefully.
But over the past four to five years, influential locals have set up layer farms near her home.
Waste from the farms has polluted ponds and croplands, while the smell, carried by the south wind, has worsened her breathing problems.
She fears she may eventually have to abandon her ancestral home.
Similar conditions prevail across Bogadana, Amirabad, Mongalkandi and Nawabpur unions, where unplanned and unapproved farms continue to proliferate without environmental clearance, livestock licences or even basic trade licences from the Union Parishad.
Residents say repeated complaints and even human-chain protests have failed to yield results, largely due to weak monitoring.
They demand strict action against the illegal farms.
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In Char Elahi village, a farm near the house of Mishu Soudagar was found just 15 yards from residential houses.
Between 40 and 50 households live within a 150-yard radius.
Waste is dumped into a small pit and nearby cropland, attracting flies and mosquitoes and producing an overpowering stench.
Dead chickens wrapped in plastic bags were also seen dumped in roadside drains and fields.
Kamal Hossain, a resident of the area, said locals must use the road beside the farm several times a day, enduring the unbearable odour.
Children face difficulties travelling to school, while mosquito infestations have escalated sharply.
Some farm owners, however, insist they are trying to comply. Ahsan Ullah of Bogadana Union said he started his farm to become self-reliant after returning from abroad.
Closing it now would cause severe financial loss, he said, adding that he has applied for clearance.
But nearby residents, including Pulak, Farida Begum, Khadija Begum and Abdul Shukur, said the farm’s waste has made life intolerable.
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