WITH recurrent ultimatums, the government has called a halt to the entry of raw-hides to the tanneries in Hazaribagh as the tannery factories have not been relocated at Savar, as reported on Saturday by a local daily. If this embargo persists for long, it might pose a serious risk to the prospects of leather exports resulting in losing of huge revenue from this second highest contributor to the national exports after apparels.
The issue of relocating the tanneries has been dragging on for years: the government took up a project in 2003, considering the health and environmental hazards. The factories release thousands of litres of untreated and toxic liquid waste into the Buriganga River everyday, posing a serious risk to human health and other habitats.
For a long time, the government has been issuing ultimatums, one after another, to the tannery owners to shift their tanneries from Hazaribagh, but mentioning the absence of a central effluent treatment plant (ETP) at Savar, they are sloth to move there. Reportedly, none of the 28 owners who were served legal notices could shift their tanneries within that stipulated timeframe. After that the timeframe was again extended to March 31. Yet again they failed to relocate tanneries. Even rulings from the High Court Division fixing shifting schedule also did not work or were obeyed.
The government appears to be weak when it comes to administration of government affairs. There are too many lobbyists influencing government’s actions.
The tanneries will have to invest around Tk 6,000 crore to relocate the factories, set up new plants and begin commercial production. Considering the cost of tannery owners, the central bank has come up with an incentive package for tanners to help them move the hazardous factories as part of its efforts to promote green banking. But owners are reluctant to take this soft loan demanding an even softer loan than the one offered. It is understandable that the powerful elements in the government are active on the side of the tannery owners.
We want to see the government to be firm and decisive about relocating the tanneries for the important consideration of hazards to health.
