Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo today called for active cooperation from industrial owners and all concerned to take coordinated measures to curb pollution of the Buriganga and Turag rivers. "Cooperation from industrial owners is crucial to free the rivers around Dhaka from pollution. Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs) must be installed to prevent polluted factory water from entering canals or rivers," he said. Mintoo made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a discussion at the Department of Environment's conference room in Agargaon to control pollution caused by industrial, sewage and other waste discharged into the Buriganga, Turag and their connected canals. He emphasized that businesses, which create resources for the country, also have responsibilities to protect the environment. "If we do not work in a coordinated manner, the efforts will not be sustainable," he said. Representatives of BGMEA, BKMEA and FBCCI raised various problems at the meeting. State Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shaikh Faridul Islam assured them of considering setting up central ETPs and reducing or eliminating duties on chemicals used in ETPs. Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister A B M Abdus Sattar said the Buriganga, Turag and Shitalakkhya could be developed like London's Thames if everyone works together. He added that efforts would be made to prevent pollution upstream of the Turag while cleaning the Buriganga. He also mentioned plans to construct suspension bridges over the river at Gabtoli and Ashulia, and operate ships for tourists' recreation. Bangladesh Navy presented an "Integrated Action Plan and Implementation Roadmap for Controlling Pollution of the Buriganga River" at the meeting. The meeting was informed that 224 waste discharge sources had been identified in the Buriganga and Turag—166 in the Buriganga and 58 in the Turag. The sources are linked to various private industries, Dhaka WASA, city corporations and local government institutions, among others. The meeting emphasized preparing source-based lists of industrial waste, ensuring installation and operation of effective ETPs, identifying and closing unauthorized drains, and removing waste from canals and drains to restore normal water flow. It also stressed implementing an integrated plan to close all waste discharge sources, remove waste from canals and drains, ensure water flow and clear long-accumulated waste from riverbeds. Officials from relevant ministries, agencies, industry bodies, environmental organizations, local government institutions and the media attended the meeting.
Mintoo Calls for Industry Action to Combat Buriganga-Turag River Pollution
Environment Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo has called for active cooperation from industrial owners to take coordinated measures to curb pollution of the Buriganga and Turag rivers.
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