No steps taken to stop oil spillage in Meghna

As of Tuesday, no initiative has been taken to clean up a thick layer of oil floating on the Meghna river after an oil tanker capsized near the Raghurchar village in the Gajaria upazila of Munshiganj.

On Friday, a ship belonging to Bengal Electronics Ltd loaded with crude oil sank in the river after the area was hit by a storm, spilling its dangerous cargo into the river.

Locals said a huge quantity of oil has been spilling into the river since Friday, threatening the environment of the area.

Salamat Ullah, managing director of Bengal Electronics Ltd, claimed that there was not much oil inside the tank,but localshave stated that it was fully loaded.

Along with the thick layer of oil, various species of fish were seen dead and floating in various parts of the river.

Jamal Uddin, a resident of Raghurchar village, said for several kilometers of the river, water and resident hyacinths have turned blackish from the oil, and locals are unable to utilise river water for everyday use.

UP member Mukter Hossain said there will be adverse effects if the oil is not removed immediately.

Tasmin Jebin binte Sheikh, Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) of the Gajaria upazila, said necessary action will be taken after the matter is discussed with the Department of Environment.