200 industries told to relocate outside Dhaka

The government has so far directed around 200 industries considered responsible for environment pollution to relocate outside the capital and a process is underway to serve notices on another 19 industries.

State Minister for Environment and Forest Hasan Mahmud yesterday in a scripted answer to lawmakers' queries informed the House about the government's move to shift industries outside the city in phases.

Of the industries, 132 are situated in Hazaribagh while 46 are in the city's residential areas.

“The government is working to shift tanneries from Hazaribagh by February 28, 2010 in line with the High Court (HC) directives,” the state minister said.

He said the government has already issued notices to eight industries asking them to compensate for environment and river pollution.

“A process is underway to serve notices on another 40 industries who should compensate for damaging environment,” the state minister said in his scripted answer.

He said the government is also working to ensure setting up of central Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) by June 30, 2010 in line with the HC order.

On saving water bodies, the state minister said the government has taken initiatives to amend the Bangladesh Environment Conservation Act 1995 to stop filling up water bodies.

He said the draft proposal to amend the act has already been sent to the cabinet division.

On behalf of the state minister for environment and forest, State Minister for Land Advocate Mostafizur Rahman informed the House that the government would take actions against the forestland grabbers in Bhawal area.

Replying to lawmakers' queries, Land Minister Rezaul Karim Hira said the government would take measures to stop building of structures on farmland.