Editorial
Import of scrap ships
Enforce rules strictly
We had been alerted to contaminated ships heading towards our shores in the recent past. That Bangladesh coasts have become a dumping ground for contaminated scrap ships is an impression difficult to be brushed aside.
There has been marked increase in import of scrap ships over the last four years. Seventy one No Objection Certificates (NOCs) were issued by the Shipping Directorate for import of old ships in only forty one working days from April 7 to June 7, this year. Moreover, a whopping 23 NOCs were given in just one day.
All these in defiance of the High Court orders banning import of old ships without environment clearance documents from concerned authorities. In addition, the court also set 18 conditions to be met by the importers prior to import of old ships, including, meeting safety requirements of the workers and the yards and opening of training centre for them. The directives have been dodged by the concerned authorities and the business operators.
A high official of the Shipping directorate informs that it is not possible to scrutinize a ship before it arrives. On arrival, it is thoroughly examined by members of special committee and if found free of hazardous elements and meeting other conditions it is then allowed to berth in the yard.
However, it is most unlikely that the operators are meeting the requirements set by the court. There have been dreadful accidents in the ship breaking yards; there are hardly any safety measures in operation for the workers; and there is no training arrangements for them as of today, not to speak of poor pay and service conditions of the workers.
By importing toxic ships just for business gain we are not only damaging our environment but also endangering human lives.
The shipping and environment ministry and the business operators have vital roles to play in organizing this industry along proper lines. They should come up with a policy with utmost consideration to health and environment factors, ensure strict implementation of business rules and most notably, stop malpractice in the sector.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.
Comments