S Alam sugar mill fire leaves lasting environmental impact

The fire at the S Alam Group-owned sugar refinery factory in Chattogram has triggered a cascade of environmental repercussions, including water and soil contamination, air pollution, ecological disruption, potential health risks, and lasting environmental effects, reports UNB.

The Karnaphuli River is facing severe pollution as burnt waste from the mill, particularly melted sugar from warehouse No. 1, is directly flowing into the river through two drains, turning its water copper-colored and leading to a distressing sight of dead aquatic animals along its banks.
The polluted water is causing harm to various aquatic species, including fish and crabs. Locals said dead fish have been floating in the river since Tuesday.

Burning sugar can create harmful byproducts like ash and trace amounts of nitrogen oxides and sulfur oxides. Sugar processing generates large volumes of wastewater containing organic matter, nutrients, and sometimes harmful chemicals like pesticides used in sugarcane cultivation. This can deplete oxygen in the river, harming aquatic life.

As a result, low oxygen levels and potential toxins from the burnt sugar are leading to fish kills and disrupting the aquatic ecosystem in the area.

The burned waste is not confined to the river alone, spreading several kilometers around the factory, said residents of the nearby area.

This is causing inconvenience and health concerns for the residents of Ichanagar.

As the combustion of sugar and other materials in the godown released various pollutants into the air, including carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, particulate matter, and potentially toxic gases, this caused poor air quality in the surrounding area, affecting both human health and the environment.

Burning sugar also releases specific air pollutants like acrolein, a known irritant to the eyes and respiratory system.

Nazrul Islam, a local, said, "Some locals are facing respiratory issues and we are afraid of getting sick."

He expressed worry about the continuous dumping of factory waste in the river.

"The waste of these factories is regularly dumped into the river. Now they are dumping it on the roads and fields," he said.

River researcher Idris Ali pointed out that the factory needed to allocate sufficient space for waste disposal before establishment.

The failure to do so has led to the burnt waste from the factory polluting the Karnaphuli River, posing a threat to fisheries and biodiversity, he said.  

He also mentioned that prolonged fire can have a direct impact on the local ecosystem, harming plants, animals, and microorganisms.

"The release of pollutants into the air and water can disrupt the balance of the ecosystem and pose a threat to biodiversity," he said.