Shitalakshya river (Bangladesh) is dying due to liquid effluents from the dyeing and washing industries
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The liquid waste of the dyeing and washing industries in Narayanganj is polluting its environment. Moreover, the Shitalakshya River is dying. The Department of Environment (DOE), Bangladesh, has proposed the construction of two Central Effluent Treatment Plants (CETP) to treat these wastes.
The survey report and proposal have been submitted to the Deputy Commissioner‘s office, Narayangonj. However, yet to take the initiative to implement it, even in the last seven years.
Anisur Rahman Mia, the then Deputy Commissioner of Narayanganj and now Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (RAJUK)’s Chairman said, ”There were several rounds of meetings regarding industrial waste pollution. The DOE then made several proposals to prevent pollution of the environment and rivers.”
However, later he was transferred elsewhere. He further claims that the implementation of the proposal would reduce the environment and river pollution to a large extent.
Recently, the speakers expressed their concern about Shitalaksya pollution in the public hearing titled ‘Narayanganj, which is affected by Environmental pollution: the way out at the city’s Ali Ahmed Chunka Library. Speakers urged the government to take adequate measures to prevent pollution.
According to the sources of the DOE, 441 industrial establishments produce liquid waste in Narayanganj. Of these, 322 industries have their Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs).
One hundred nineteen industries do not have ETP. A case has been filed against 18 companies in the Environment Court in the last six months on the pollution charge.
Gas and electricity connections to seven establishments have been disconnected. However, despite having ETP, many organizations are accused of not managing ETP 100%.
In November 2015, a survey report of the Narayanganj Environment Directorate office revealed the pollution in liquid waste emitted by industrial establishments.
According to the survey report, 50,000 liters of liquid waste are released daily from hundreds of dyeing and washing factories in Fatulla of Sadar Upazila.
Accordingly, the factories release 10.80 million liters of liquid waste annually. In the report given to the office of the Deputy Commissioner, two main canals have been identified and proposed to construct as Central effluent Plant (CETP).
AB Siddique, district president of the Poribesh Bachao Andolon (POBA), said, “We have been demanding the establishment of a central refinery for a long time.”
Deputy Commissioner Manjurul Hafiz said, “Four rivers, including Shitalakhya, are dying due to pollution. So, we have to save the river, and we also have to keep the industrialists. With the joint efforts of all, adequate measures will take quickly to prevent pollution.
According to the CETP construction proposal, 67 industries in the Hajiganj-Dapa Idrakpur canal, 19 in the Shastapur canal, and 10 in the Stadium-Pithali canal emit liquid waste.
Suppose CETP will construct at the junction of the Hajiganj-Dapa Idrakpur canal and Shitalakshya river. In that case, 80 to 90 percent of river pollution will reduce because 96 dyeing and washing factories are adjacent to these canals. In that case, the canal must be re-excavated, re-connected, and rehabilitated.
According to the proposal, many industries in Fatulla are polluting the environment by discharging waste. Again, many organizations do not have sufficient space and financial capacity to do ETP. A central refinery will reduce pollution and operating costs.
The proposal also states that the Shastapur canal connects with the Hajiganj-Dapa Idrakpur canal at the intersection of Fakir Road and Hajiganj Shibu Market Road. The combined flow passes through the Pithalipool canal and meets the reservoir opposite Fatulla Stadium.
On the other hand, the Stadium-Pithalipool canal meets the river under the link road next to the stadium. Both flows pass through the Jalkudi canal, and the liquid effluents of the industries go to the Shitalakshya river through the canal adjacent to the Kanchpur bridge.
Ninety percent of the liquid waste falls into the Shitalakshya river through the canal adjacent to the Kanchpur bridge. As a result, a central liquid waste treatment plant can construct at the Kanchpur bridge-adjacent government site.
The proposal calls for the disposal of small quantities of liquid effluents through other minor canals or drains, and the discharge of liquid wastes through existing drains or canals may stop. The conveyance or separate drainage system can take liquid waste to the CETP.
Abdullah Mamun, Deputy Director of Environment Department Narayanganj’s office, said there is no progress in the construction of the central refinery.
Although the World Bank and ADB have examined the feasibility, there is no initiative to implement it. It would be easier for small-scale industries to carry out the cost and reduce environmental pollution if implemented the CETP.
Mohammad Hatem, the Executive President of Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA), said it is essential to set up a central refinery to protect the environment.
Cluster-based central treatment plants at the confluence of the Shitalakshya, Buriganga, and Dhaleswari rivers will reduce river pollution and management costs. This initiative should implement quickly.
Source: Green Page (Bangla)
