54 of 196 industries along Buriganga, Shitalakkhya still without ETPs: Minister Mintoo
The government has shut down 27 industries over environmental violations and recovered Tk1.32 crore out of nearly Tk3 crore in compensation imposed on them.
Highlights:
- 54 of 196 industries still lack ETPs
- 27 industries shut down over environmental violations
- Tk1.32 crore recovered in compensation
- Zero liquid discharge plan underway at 46 industries
- Monitoring cameras installed at 34 industries
54 of the 196 industries along the Buriganga and Shitalakkhya rivers that generate liquid waste still do not have effluent treatment plants (ETPs), Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo told parliament today (30 August).
ETPs have been installed at 142 of the 196 industries where such treatment plants are required, while the remaining 54 are yet to install them, he said in a written response to a question from Pabna-5 MP Shamsur Rahman Simul Biswas during the question-and-answer session of parliament.
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The government has already shut down 27 industries by disconnecting their utility services for operating without environmental clearance and ETPs, Mintoo said.
"Compensation of nearly Tk3 crore has been imposed on the establishments, of which around Tk1.32 crore has been recovered," he said.
Regular enforcement drives are being conducted against polluting industries, according to the minister.
To reduce pollution in the Buriganga and Shitalakkhya, the government has taken steps to implement a "zero liquid discharge plan" aimed at preventing industrial liquid waste from being released into the rivers.
The plan is currently being implemented at 46 industries along the two rivers, Mintoo said.
The government has also taken an initiative to install monitoring cameras to ensure that ETPs at industrial facilities are operating effectively. Cameras have already been installed at 34 establishments, he added.
An initiative has also been taken to conduct a "river health assessment" to determine the overall condition of the two rivers.
An online monitoring centre is also planned to regularly monitor water quality and pollution levels, according to the minister.
The government plans to prevent pollution, remove encroachments and restore the navigability of rivers surrounding Dhaka, including the Buriganga and Shitalakkhya, with the aim of reopening their waterways, Mintoo said.
On 6 August, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman directed the relevant agencies to formulate and implement an integrated, time-bound action plan for the purpose.
A decision has also been taken to form an inter-agency coordination committee under the supervision of the Prime Minister's Office. The committee will coordinate the activities of relevant ministries and agencies, review progress and submit reports to the Prime Minister's Office.
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Department of Environment, Dhaka Wasa, Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority, Bangladesh Water Development Board, Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha and city corporations are working together to implement the government's plans, the minister said.
Shimul Biswas raised the issue in parliament, calling for pollution in the Buriganga and Shitalakkhya to be brought down to zero, particularly as water from the rivers is connected to Dhaka's water supply system.
In response, the minister outlined the measures being taken by the government to control pollution in the two rivers.
