Editorial
ETPs mandatory for factories
Punish violators
Relentless dumping of untreated industrial wastes into the rivers and streams by the industries and factories continues unabated. The mindless act has already polluted many canals and rivers and also caused colossal losses to crop fields, resulting in gradual decimation of clean water bodies and fertile agro lands. It also exposes the population to serious health hazards.
We recall the government declaration in 2009 that it will close down the industries that will not set up Effluent Treatment Plant. As a part of the initiative, the government has made the setting up of ETP and shifting of environment polluting industries to new locations mandatory. But the order was not carried out. Earlier in March 2007, the then government asked factory owners to set up ETP in six months to neutralize the industrial wastes that affect the environment and the people. This is also gone by default.
By now all factories should have had their ETPs installed and in use. But most of the factories have not installed them as yet, and whatever few have, don't use it on regular basis. A team from the department of environment recently found ETPs of two factories in Savar having been kept idle. DoE made it clear that the ETP has to operate round the clock. The team heavily fined both the companies and asked concerned authorities to suspend or cancel the environment certificates. The move by DoE deserves appreciation, but this just touches the fringe of the problem.
The government should do everything possible to save the rivers, the environment, the crops and above all the health of the population. None should be spared for causing huge multiple injuries to the nations environment, health and economy.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. 
Related News
Why is safe water inaccessible for millions despite rising spending?
6 hour(s) ago
Editorial
BB must confront bad loans’ true scale
18 June 2026, 18:38 PM
Editorial
Dolphin deaths must be investigated
18 June 2026, 08:00 AM
Editorial
Weak policing fuelling rise in crimes
17 June 2026, 18:18 PM
Editorial
Three union names, one troubling pattern
17 June 2026, 08:00 AM
Editorial
Comments