Give clearance for LPG bottling plant near Sundarbans: HC

The High Court today directed Department of Environment to issue environmental clearance certificate to Thengamara Mahila Sabuj Sangha (TMSS) LPG Limited for establishing LPG bottling plant in Mongla near the Sundarbans.

The HC, however, observed that it is the government who will decide how many and what kind of industries will be set up in Mongla industrial area of Bagerhat.

The court also observed that this verdict would not create any obstacle to the government to take any initiative to stop setting up new industries in the industrial areas.

The HC bench of Justice FRM Nazmul Ahasan and KM Kamrul Kader came up with the verdict following a writ petition filed by TMSS LPG ltd.

The LPG company submitted the writ petition to the HC in October last year challenging the inaction of the Department of Environment in disposing of its application for issuing environmental clearance certificate for establish LPG bottling plant at Mongla industrial area.

During hearing, petitioner's lawyer Barrister Shafiq Ahmed told the court that TMSS LPG Ltd is a non-profitable organisation and it wanted to establish the LPG bottling plant which will not damage the trees water, and soil.

Many other companies including Green Tower LPG ltd, Orion LPG, Mir LPG, Bengal LPG, Omiron LPG, Bashundhara LPG, and Navana LPG have been allowed to establish their industries in the same area, he mentioned.

If TMSS LPG company is not allowed to establish the company, it will be a discrimination which will hamper their right to profession and business, Barrister Shafiq also said.

On the other hand, Attorney General Mahbubey Alam opposed the writ petition saying that the government is committed to protect the Sundarbans as a world heritage as per the directives from UNESCO.

If the TMSS LPG Ltd is allowed to set up the industry, the environment of the area and Sundarbans will be damaged, the AG said.

Barrister Muniruzzaman also appeared for the writ petitioner.