Take stern action against violators

Addressing a review meeting with officials of the Department of Environment (DoE) on the progress of implementation of previous decisions of the department, he asked the DoE officials to take stern action against the industries which are yet to set up ETPs.

Leaders of different trade bodies and industries, including the export-oriented units, at a meeting in July with the minister and high officials of the Environment Ministry, had assured of setting up ETPs in their units within four months, DoE sources said.

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Tariqul at the meeting yesterday asked the owners of all industrial units, including the exported-oriented ones, to take clearance certificates regarding installation of ETPs.

Otherwise, he said, the ministry will be bound to close down those units for the sake of environment and in compliance with different obligations under international protocols.

State Minister for Environment and Forest Jafrul Islam Chowdhury, Environment and Forest Secretary Jafar Ahmed Chowdhury and DoE Director General Khan Ibrahim Hossain were present.

Tariqul said in the backdrop of the ministry action against the environment-polluting industries, the trade body leaders in July last had taken six-month's time to install ETPs.

"But, the outcome over the last six months is very frustrating," he said and urged the DoE officials to launch a drive against them like the anti-adulteration drive across the country.

He also asked the DoE officials to file cases against the persons responsible for pollution of the Gulshan Lake, which was declared as an Ecologically Critical Area (ECA) by the government.