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oxygen levels and preventing fish from growing properly,” he said.

Alamgir Hossain Shrabon, a member of Noihati Union Parishad, said the factory was shut down temporarily following a series of protests by locals.

“But later it resumed operations by illegally managing authorities,” he alleged.

Shahjahan, a teacher from Amdabad village, said such factories should not be allowed to operate near schools, colleges and residential areas.

Masum Billah Shikari, a shareholder of the factory, said the carbon black produced there is exported to China. He added that installing chimney connections for emission control could increase fire risks.

Masum also claimed that similar factories operate across the country and that the emissions do not harm the environment, as the open space reduces environmental impact.

Experts refuted the claim.

“Burning jute sticks in dozens of furnaces without emission control systems releases large amounts of particulate matter, black carbon, and several toxic substances into the air. These include carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO₂), particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and sometimes nitrogen oxides (NOx),” said Sadhon Chandra Swarnokar, an assistant professor of Environmental Science at Khulna University.

“Prolonged exposure to the particulate matter and fumes increases the risk of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, particularly among children and the elderly. Deposited soot reduces photosynthesis, degrades soil quality and harms aquatic ecosystems,” he added.

Tarun Kumar Bala, upazila agriculture officer in Rupsha, said excessive smoke and fly ash disrupt pollination, harm beneficial insects, and adversely affect overall agricultural productivity, while also posing health risks to people.

Harunur Rashid, assistant director of the Department of Environment in Khulna, said the factory’s environmental clearance was not renewed after 2014 due to non-compliance with conditions.

“We will conduct a field inspection to determine whether it is operating illegally and take necessary legal action,” he added.

Sanjida Rikta, upazila nirbahi officer in Rupsha, said the administration will coordinate with the DoE to take action based on its findings.