RELOCATING the tannery industry from Dhaka to Savar was taken in order to prevent land, water and air pollution, and also to install discipline and order in the industry. In short – it was meant for a complete overhauling of the industry. However, the plans have not worked in the ways it was expected.
Solid wastes from the tannery industrial park at Savar continue to pose a serious threat to the surrounding areas as the government still remains undecided about how to dispose of the wastes generated from the leather processing industries – even 15 years after the project was taken. Similar to the old location inside Dhaka, roads and other open spaces inside the under-construction tannery industrial park have become a dumping yard where the tanners are continuously throwing toxic wastes haphazardly. Moreover, the same manner the tanners have polluted Buriganga – are now polluting River Dhaleshwari by indiscriminately dumping toxic industrial waste in the nearby ponds and canals – quick making its way to the river.
The question now involuntarily arises regarding the effectiveness of the relocation plan. Also the complexities over the faulty relocation project have become visible. Whom should we hold accountable for the environmental repercussions? None are willing to shoulder responsibilities.
Reportedly the Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) was responsible for final disposal of solid wastes after they were dumped in a yard inside the park. Later the DNCC declined to take the responsibilities as the wastes contained heavy and toxic elements. As a result, the government later tried to manage industrial waste by contracting a private firm which would make Gelatin and compost by recycling the solid wastes. This hasn’t happened either.
The newly relocated Savar tannery is continuing its operations amid an organised chaos.
Government’s authorities concerned must immediately address the ongoing pandemonium causing much harm to the people and environment in and around Savar. We don’t want to see the repetition of same old mistakes, mismanagement, irregularities and environmental pollution – transferred from one place to another.
