2 dyeing factories fined for polluting Turag, wetlands

A Department of Environment team yesterday fined two textile dyeing factories in Ashulia on the city's outskirt more than Tk 71 lakh for polluting the river Turag and the surrounding wetlands.
Landmark Fabrics and Mark Terry Limited were operating their factories without activating effluent treatment plants, DoE director Mohammad Munir Chowdhury said in a press release.
The team tested liquid effluents and found dissolved oxygen at a much lower level than 4.5mg per litre, the minimum standard required.
Such untreated chemical effluents harm aquatic life, environment and riverine ecology, said Munir who led the drive.
Water of the nearby wetlands has turned black after being contaminated with the toxic wastes, causing endless sufferings to locals by destroying agriculture and aquatic resources.
Landmark was fined with Tk 44.80 lakh and Mark Terry Tk 26.56 lakh.
The team ordered the factory owners to activate ETPs immediately, said the press release. Otherwise, tougher action would be taken.