Keraniganj:The Department of Environment (DoE) has taken decisive action against industrial pollution by cutting power to ten factories in Keraniganj that were contributing to the contamination of the Buriganga River. This operation is part of a broader initiative to curb pollution affecting the rivers around the capital.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the coordinated drive took place this morning, targeting several washing factories in the area. The operation was a collaborative effort involving the Dhaka District Administration, Department of Environment, Bangladesh Navy, River Police, Bangladesh Coast Guard, Bangladesh Police, Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA), local government authorities, and Dhaka Power Distribution Company Limited (DPDC).
Mahbub Jamil, Director of the Monitoring and Enforcement Wing of the Department of Environment, led the operation. He stated that the focus was on dyeing and washing factories discharging untreated liquid waste into the Buriganga River without obtaining necessary environmental clearances or installing effluent treatment plants (ETPs). Such unregulated industrial activities are major contributors to the pollution of several rivers surrounding Dhaka.
Jamil emphasized the vital role these rivers play in enhancing the quality of life in Dhaka and mentioned a central committee formed under the Prime Minister's Office to devise strategies for pollution control. This committee consists of three sub-committees, one of which was responsible for the day's actions. He reiterated the Department of Environment’s commitment to holding polluters accountable.
During the operation, ten dyeing factories were specifically targeted as they had been previously disconnected from electricity. Jamil pointed out that industrial units must secure location and environmental clearances to operate legally and must install ETPs for dyeing or washing processes.
He warned that factories using chemicals for dyeing without ETP facilities and proper clearances would face shutdowns. Additionally, any attempts to illegally restore disconnected power would lead to strict legal consequences.
Enforcement operations against unauthorized industrial setups have been ongoing for a month, aimed at restoring environmental equilibrium and ensuring no illegal factories persist in residential zones.