21 February 2011

Bangladesh Shipbreaking sector's future:

As reported in your front page on 30th. January, Hon. State Minister for Environment & Forest has logically stated that steel importers will be most benefited by harming the ship breaking sector. Interested parties are therefore inciting the environment groups to get after this sector which supplies most of the raw materials for steel rolling industry and steel melting. Ship breaking also employs a sizable number of people, providing them a livelihood.

However, prevention of accidents is a matter that needs to be taken up with seriousness; as this sector contributes to high level of industrial accidents, many of which are fatal. However, this has no relation to environment pollution. Proper training of personnel on safety and operating practices are the main drawbacks of the ship breaking industry that needs to be seriously addressed. Further, the strict implementation of the workman's compensation benefits is an area where the yard owners are depriving the workers. This is an area where more strict government's supervision and action is needed. It is an area where the breaking yard owners too are taking advantage of slackness by the government. Regarding effluent treatment for industries, in my opinion, based on practical industrial experience, there can be a feasible and realistic and workable solution for it.

I believe that it will be possible for the government to set up proper well equipped effluent and waste disposal plant at each industrial area. This will greatly help in containing pollution from industries!

Source: The Daily Star. Letter from Engr. S.A. Mansoor, Dhaka. Sunday, February 20, 2011

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