Tannery relocation
It is baffling that the relocation of all tannery factories from Hazaribagh to the tannery park in Savar is yet to be completed 13 years after a High Court order was issued in that regard. After missing numerous government deadlines over the years, industry insiders have indicated that it will likely take most factories around six more months to complete their relocation.
Meanwhile, liquid waste mixed with toxic chemicals from tanneries continues to flow into the Buriganga through drainage connections. The government estimates some 21,000 cubic metres of untreated effluent is being released into the Buriganga every day, shattering all hopes of bringing the river back to life. According to Human Rights Watch, the hazardous impact of tannery pollution in the air, water and soil to human health has been massive with residents of Hazaribagh constantly suffering from various illnesses.
Tanners have deposited Tk. 55.9 lakh for polluting the environment in compliance with a Supreme Court order, but who will compensate those whose healths have been affected by pollution emanating from tanneries? Can money collected as fines offset the damage done to the Buriganga and the environment over the years? The apathy shown by tannery owners towards the damage to human health and environment, as evident by their failure to relocate even after all these years is unacceptable, especially given the incentives they have been granted for relocating.
The authorities should compel tannery owners to abide by the High Court order without delay. Lax handling of such a grave situation will not do.
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