ShipBreaking sector’s future in Bangladesh:

As reported in many dailies on 30 January, the state minister for environment and forest has logically stated that steel importers will be most benefited by harming the ship breaking industry.

Vested interests are therefore inciting the environment groups to go after this sector that supplies most of the raw materials for steel rolling industry and steel melting. Ship breaking also provides employment to a sizable number of people. Its impact will also be felt across the development activities due to the rise in price of steel rods, an important material for the construction industry!

Labourers carrying wire ropes in a rainy day 

(Photo by - Dr. Tridib Ghose. June 2009)

However, prevention of accidents is a matter that needs to be taken up with seriousness as this sector is prone to high level of industrial accidents, many of them fatal. But this has no relation to environment pollution. Lack of proper training of the personnel involved on safety and operating practices are the main drawbacks of the industry that needs to be seriously addressed. Further, strict implementation of the workman’s compensation benefits is also a must. This is an area where strict government supervision and action is needed since the breaking yard owners are taking advantage of the slackness on the part of the government and depriving the workers.

Regarding effluent treatment in the industry, in my opinion based on practical industrial experience, there can be a feasible and realistic and workable solution for it.

I believe that it is not impossible for the government to set up well-equipped effluent and waste disposal plant at each industrial area.

This plant will handle all the wastes and effluents in the industrial area. The industries will pay for the services provided based on the quantum and type of treatment needed, which may vary from industry to industry. The system can charge in a similar manner like power or water supplies, now in operation. This will greatly help in containing pollution from industries.

Source: The Daily Sun. S.A. Mansoor. Dhaka. 5 February 2011

http://www.daily-sun.com/?view=details&archiev=yes&arch_date=05-02-2011&type=daily_sun_news&pub_no=119&cat_id=3&menu_id=25&news_type_id=1&index=5