PM: Set up central ETP to save river water

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday asked the authorities concerned to ensure that central effluent treatment plants (CETP) are set up in industrial areas to prevent river water from being contaminated by chemical-mixed waste and water.

The premier also ordered them to block the exit points of Dhaka Water and Sewerage Authority’s (WASA) 28 storm water sewers through which polluted water and waste materials fall into the four rivers including the Buriganga and Turag.

The instructions were given in a meeting at the secretariat with the minister, deputy minister, high officials of the environment and forest ministry.

After the meeting Environment and Forest Minister Anwar Hossain Monju said the prime minister had given them some instructions to accelerate the activities of the ministry.

About the pollution of the Buriganga River water Monju said the water of the river is being polluted by industries and it should be stopped immediately.

The prime minister also analysed the annual development programmes (ADP) of the ministry. The premier was not satisfied with the progress of implementing the ADP, the minister added.

About the implementation and expense of climate change trust fund projects Monju said it was not discussed widely. Most of the officials working in those projects tried to defend themselves at the meeting.

Several officials of the ministry told the Dhaka Tribune that the prime minister asked them to prepare development plans putting the environment issues on priority agenda.

“No development work would be sustainable by damaging the environment. Everyone should come forward to prevent water contamination and save the environment for healthy life,” she noted.

Hasina stressed the need for a proper drainage system connected to the CETP in all industries to treat polluted water and waste before they are dropped into the rivers.

She said at the meeting that the government would provide money to initiate such projects in order to save the country, its rivers and people.

The prime minister also ordered the authorities to dredge and activate the second channel in Sundarbans area to save water and aquatic resources including dolphins.