Dhaka: The Department of Environment (DoE) today carried out operations in Shyampur Kodomtoli’s industrial area to curb the release of polluted waste into the Buriganga River. During the operation, the monitoring team discovered that industries were channeling waste into the river through pipes. Samples of the waste sludge were collected from the site.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the drive was a collaborative effort involving the DoE’s Monitoring and Enforcement unit, the Dhaka Research Laboratory, and the DoE’s Dhaka Metropolitan Office. A PID handout revealed that two dyeing factories were found discharging wastewater directly into the drain while keeping their Effluent Treatment Plants (ETP) non-operational. Upon learning of the monitoring team’s visit, the factory authorities activated their ETPs.
Local sources indicated that approximately 49 dyeing and washing factories are situated in the area. To prevent waste disposal into the river and ensure that ETPs are functioning properly, regular monitoring on a roster basis is necessary.
Environment Department director Syed Farhad Hossain stated that an action plan will be formulated in consultation with the factory owners’ association, Dhaka WASA, and the City Corporation. The collected samples are to be tested in the laboratory, and legal action is planned against the offending factories following an enforcement hearing.