Editorial
Chemical warehouse woes
Enforce relocation orders
It is undeniably a matter of concern that some people are unwilling to move their warehouses of combustible chemicals away from residential areas in the capital. Although there has been series of deadly incidents over the past years at different parts of the city, the bizarre conduct of the warehouse owners continues unabated.
We recall last year's tragic blaze at Nimtoli in old Dhaka where over one hundred people were scorched to death and many more received injuries due mainly to the highly inflammable chemicals. Following this, there were smaller incidents in other parts of Dhaka. Even after all these continual incidents people involved in the trade show no interest to shift their warehouses outside the city.
The chemical warehouse owners were asked by the government to relocate their businesses away from residential areas of Dhaka by September 30 last year. But trading in banned chemicals and storing those have been going on in the residential areas, including old Dhaka.
A group of environmentalists, while observing the first anniversary of the Nimtoli incident last Tuesday, criticised the government inaction over enforcing disciplinary measures against the people who failed to relocate their chemical establishments.
While the dangerous position of these warehouses are life threatening, when accidents occur they leave harmful effect on public psyche for a long period.
The government should immediately act to ensure that the relocation orders are carried out without fear or favour. A new timeframe may be served to the business houses after the expiry of which the law breakers should be unfailingly brought to book. A policy may be formulated relating import, production, storing and trading in chemicals and it should be strictly implemented.
We cannot afford to have devious individuals flouting government orders at the cost of precious human lives.
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