4 factories fined for polluting river

The Department of Environment (DoE) fined four factories over Tk 43 lakh yesterday for dumping untreated wastes into the Bangshai river in Savar.
In a special drive, DoE officials found the four factories -- Anlima Yarn Dyeing Ltd, Blue Text Netware Ltd, Abedin Textile Mills and FKN Printing Mills -- dumping chemical mixed water into the river on the outskirt of the capital.
Munir Chowdhury, director (enforcement) of DoE, led the drive with the help of members of Rapid Action Battalion-2.
The DoE officials found Anlima Yarn Dyeing dumping its waste into the river although its effluent treatment plant (ETP) was functioning.
Anlima Yarn, which has been operating without environmental clearance certificate since 1998, was fined Tk 26.62 lakh.
Abedin Textile Mills Ltd was fined Tk 4.99 lakh, as its ETP was dysfunctional.
Blue Text Netware and FKN Printing Mills were fined Tk 8 lakh and Tk 4 lakh on the same ground.
According to the Bangladesh Environment Protection Act 1995, these four factories are categorised Red which is considered very dangerous for environment.
The DoE officials directed the authorities of the four factories to immediately repair their ETPs to avoid cancellation of their gas, electricity and water connections.