Hazaribagh relocation

THE saga of relocating polluting tanneries from the heart of Dhaka has, apparently, hit another snag. What has been revealed in a survey conducted by an environment watchdog body, a mere 19 out of a total 155 factories have relocated to the new industrial park in Savar. Time is of the essence, as the threat of a clampdown on import of leather goods from Bangladesh by the European Union looms after 2014. It won't accept goods produced at the cost of environment.

With nearly 90 per cent of factories yet to set up shop in the designated industrial park, precisely what is to become of the industry beyond 2014 is hard to imagine. The relocation timeframe is already in its second extension period. Needless to say, this paper has repeatedly highlighted the dangers posed by toxic discharge of chemicals into the waterways around Hazaribagh and the public health disaster caused thereby. That authorities have done their part in allocating land and the setting up of a central effluent treatment plant (CETP) is commendable. However, unless all the factories are re-established in the industrial zone where the CETP is located, the plant cannot start operation.

Given the gravity of the situation, i.e. risking an export segment worth more than US$1billion per annum and saving Dhaka residents from ill effects of toxic material discharge entering the food chain and water supply, it is up to the government to impress upon the industry to relocate without further delay.