DHAKA, May 8 (V7N) – The Department of Environment (DoE) today conducted operations in the Shyampur Kodomtoli industrial area aimed at preventing the discharge of polluted waste into the Buriganga River.

During the inspections, the DoE monitoring team discovered industries releasing waste directly into the Buriganga through pipes. The team collected sludge samples of the discharged waste from the sites.

The enforcement drive was a joint effort by the DoE's Monitoring and Enforcement unit, the Dhaka Research Laboratory, and the DoE’s Dhaka Metropolitan Office.

"During the drive, two dyeing factories were found discharging wastewater directly into the drain and keeping their Effluent Treatment Plants (ETP) closed," stated a press information department (PID) handout.

The handout further noted that upon learning of the monitoring team's visit, the authorities of the factories initiated the operation of their ETPs.

Local sources indicate that approximately 49 dyeing and washing factories are located in the Shyampur Kodomtoli area. They emphasize the need for regular, scheduled monitoring to prevent waste disposal into the river and ensure the proper functioning of the ETPs.

Syed Farhad Hossain, a director at the Environment Department, stated that they will develop an action plan after discussions with the factory owners' association, Dhaka WASA (Water Supply and Sewerage Authority), and the City Corporation.

He added that the collected samples will undergo laboratory testing, and legal action will be taken against the responsible factories following an enforcement hearing.

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