The government will take tougher action against industries that pollute rivers by discharging untreated waste, Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo said on Thursday.
“We must improve the environment alongside creating wealth and resources if we want to build a prosperous country,” he said while speaking at a stakeholder consultation on controlling pollution in the Buriganga and Turag rivers and conserving the waterways.
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change organized the consultation at the Department of Environment’s conference room in Agargaon, bringing together industrialists, government agencies and other stakeholders.
The meeting focused on controlling pollution caused by industrial waste discharged into the Buriganga and Turag rivers and their connected canals, according to a ministry notice.
No ETP, no compliance
Mintoo said the government would take a strict stance against industrial facilities operating without Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs), particularly those contributing to pollution in the Buriganga, Turag and Balu rivers.
Industries without ETPs will be required to install them, while factories that already have the facilities must ensure they remain operational regularly, he said.
“Having an ETP on the premises is not enough if it is not properly operated,” the minister said, stressing the need for closer monitoring of the facilities.
Representatives from the Department of Environment’s monitoring and enforcement, waste and chemical management, environmental clearance and Dhaka-region offices also attended the consultation.
Industry groups join discussion
Major industry associations were invited to the consultation, reflecting the importance of industrial waste management in addressing river pollution.
Representatives of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA), Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA), Bangladesh Garments Washing Industries Association and the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) took part in the discussion.
Representatives from the Bangladesh Navy, Ministry of Industries, Ministry of Water Resources, Ministry of Labor and Employment, Local Government Division, Ministry of Shipping, Department of Environment, Dhaka WASA, Bangladesh Coast Guard, Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA), Rajuk and Dhaka’s two city corporations were also involved.
Government promises support for compliant businesses
The minister said the government would support businesses that take steps to make their operations environmentally friendly.
At the same time, he warned that action would be taken against officials who use environmental protection as a pretext to harass businesses.
Industrialists, environmental stakeholders and representatives of government agencies shared their proposals and challenges concerning river conservation, industrial waste management and pollution control.
The consultation comes as pollution in the capital’s rivers remains a concern involving multiple agencies responsible for industrial waste management, water resources, navigation, municipal services and environmental enforcement.
Earlier, the Environment Ministry issued an emergency meeting notice on August 12, requesting relevant institutions and stakeholders to attend the consultation.