Anwara sees signs of severe pollution

The authorities of the DAP factory in Chittagong is dumping “ammonia mixed water” into the Karnaphuli through a canal.

Visiting the factory area yesterday, a day after a tank explosion, it was found that brownish water was incessantly coming out of the factory through a drain.

The canal water had turned brownish and bushes on both sides of the canal were burned. The pungent smell of ammonia was everywhere.

However, when contacted over phone, General Manager of DAP Alamgir Jalil said no water was being dumped into the canal as all water gates were closed.

When this correspondent insisted that he saw effluent dumping, the GM said he would look into the matter.

On Tuesday, the chairman of DAP said effluent would be treated first before it was dumped into the canal.

Edris Ali, an associate professor of Mohsin College who has been researching on the Karnaphuli since 90's, said if the ammonia mixed water ends up in the Karnaphuli, it would not have any long term impact. "The damage to the environment has already been done."

The fish in the adjacent canal and pond died due to high concentration of ammonium. When the effluent reaches the Karnaphuli, it would dissipate quickly. So there is not much to worry about, he said.

Although the DAP authority claimed that around 260 tonnes of ammonia ended up in the environment, a source in the committee that is probing the matter said they found that 361 to 367 tonnes ended up in the environment due to the explosion.

The department of environment yesterday tested the water of two nearby ponds and a drain from the factory and found their pH levels to be higher than normal.

"They are not treating the water before dumping it in the canal. Since the accident, chemical mixed water with pungent scent is being dumped in the adjacent canal and it is finding its way into the Parki canal," said Mujibur Rahman, a former member of Ward-1 North Bandar area.

While walking along the canal for around three kilometres, this correspondent witnessed numerous fish, snakes and other aquatic animals floating on the surface. The temperature in the area was quite high as well.

Abdur Rahman of Dud Kumra village claimed that his bull died due to ammonia inhalation when it was grazing in Parki char Tuesday morning. "I was rearing that bull to sell ahead of the Eid. I have lost Tk 70,000. I want compensation from the factory."

The fish farm owners also demanded compensation.

Mujibur, a co-owner of a 300-acre pond, said almost all his fish had died. He claimed that he had lost Tk 1 crore and demanded compensation from the factory.

The industries minister visited the plant yesterday afternoon.