Govt identifies 224 waste outlets polluting Buriganga, Turag
Minister stresses ETPs to curb pollution.
The government has identified 224 waste discharge sources polluting the Buriganga and Turag rivers and is preparing an integrated plan to shut unauthorised outlets, improve industrial waste treatment and restore water flow in the rivers and connected canals.
The figure was disclosed at a meeting held at the Department of Environment in Agargaon today (14 August). Of the identified sources, 166 are along the Buriganga and 58 along the Turag.
The sources are linked to private industries, Dhaka WASA, city corporations and other local government agencies.
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Speaking as the chief guest Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo called for coordinated action involving industries and government agencies to curb pollution from industrial effluent, sewage and other waste.
"Cooperation from industrial owners is crucial to free the rivers around Dhaka from pollution," he said, stressing that industries must install and operate effective Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs) to prevent untreated wastewater from entering rivers and canals.
He said businesses that contribute to the country's economy also have a responsibility to protect the environment.
At the meeting, Bangladesh Navy presented an "Integrated Action Plan and Implementation Roadmap for Controlling Pollution of the Buriganga River".
The plan calls for source-based inventories of industrial waste, ensuring the installation and proper operation of ETPs, identifying and closing unauthorised drains, and removing accumulated waste from canals and drains to restore water flow.
It also proposes an integrated effort to shut all waste discharge points and clear long-accumulated waste from riverbeds.
Industry representatives from BGMEA, BKMEA and FBCCI raised several concerns over implementing pollution-control measures.
State Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shaikh Faridul Islam said the government would consider establishing central ETPs to help industries address wastewater treatment.
He also said efforts would be made to reduce or eliminate duties on chemicals used in ETPs.
Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister ABM Abdus Sattar said the Buriganga, Turag and Shitalakkhya rivers could be developed like London's Thames if government agencies, industries and other stakeholders worked together.
He said efforts would also be made to stop pollution upstream of the Turag while cleaning the Buriganga.
