In Digholkandi village of Puthia upazila, Rajshahi, farmers are facing severe crop damage caused by the heat and black smoke from a brick kiln named ‘Messrs SBXU Tata’. The smoke and intense heat have reportedly harmed large areas of farmland, particularly mango and banana orchards. Local farmers said their crops have been destroyed, with some forced to cut down trees after repeated losses. The kiln owner, Shahabuddin, denied the allegations, claiming no farmer had directly complained to him.

According to agricultural officer Mosha. Shaheda Khatun of the Baneshwar block, several mango orchards have already been cut down due to the kiln’s impact. Out of about 50 bighas of banana plantations, 15 to 16 bighas have suffered extensive damage. She stated that affected farmers deserve fair compensation for their losses.

The situation has fueled growing anger among local residents, who say the kiln’s operations continue to threaten their livelihoods and the region’s agricultural sustainability.