Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Md Shahab Uddin, said strict action will be taken against pollution in the Savar tannery zone very soon.
He gave the warning at a Targets for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) meeting on Sunday, where he also said: “We must take necessary action against pollution from the tanneries in Savar.”
The minister also said that Bangladesh Water Development Board has undertaken a project to dredge rivers, canals, and tributaries that have been appropriated by river grabbers.
“We also have a plan to dredge ponds at the upazila level this year,” he added.
The seminar “SDG13: Climate Change Activities” was organized by Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) at their office in Agargaon.
In September 2015, the UN General Assembly adopted the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development that includes 17 SDGs. Building on the principle of “leaving no one behind”, the new agenda emphasizes a holistic approach to achieving sustainable development for all.
The minister at the program went on to say: “We want to strengthen local government to achieve SDGs. Local governments should be made aware of the SDG projects implemented by NGOs. The government, NGOs, and the private sector, must all work together to achieve sustainable development and face the challenges posed by climate change.”
He added that he plans to allocate more funds to the southern districts because of their vulnerability to the impact of climate change.
Department of Environment Director General, Dr Sultan Ahmed, presented the key note address where he said: “Tannery relocation to Savar was done by the Ministry of Industries, but the common effluent treatment plant (CETP) was made under the supervision of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (Buet) which had problems from the very beginning.
“But now the problem has been fixed and parameters of pollution will gradually come within the limits of Doe standards in a few years.”
The seminar was presided by PKSF Chairman, Dr Qazi Kholiquzzaman. He said: “To eradicate poverty we have to tackle the effects of climate change.”
“The main goal of SDG is inclusion. That is why we have to facilitate rural people and have to make it possible for them to avail urban facilities,” he added.
The seminar started with the welcome speech of PKSF Managing Director, Md Abdul Karim. Officials from different ministries and NGOs also spoke at the program.
