Dhaka needs long-term environmental plan

Speakers tell seminar
Speakers at a seminar yesterday said Dhaka city requires a long-term environmental master plan and political will for its implementation.
They said it is urgent to introduce the plan in order to save the city from total system collapse and possible abandonment. They urged all to consider the amount of economic loss caused by environmental pollution and its health implication, which is eventually high in terms of money value than the total profit earned by industrial revolution.
They were speaking at a seminar on ‘Environmental degradation of Dhaka city: Our responsibilities’ organised by Campaign for Popular Education (CAMPE) at IDB Bhaban in the city to mark the World Environment Day 2010.
Only 20 percent reduction in pollution in the city can save about 353 million dollars spent annually to deal with health effects of pollution, said Dr Touhida Rashid of Geography and Environment Department of DU in her keynote paper.
She suggested imposing high tax on industries based on their level of pollution and its effect on nature to encourage them to become more environment-friendly.
Prof Nazrul Islam, chairman of University Grants Commission, said there has to be a long-term vision for the city. He criticised all the political parties for their reluctance to approve or implement master plans on Dhaka city.
Prof Nazrul, also an urban expert, said many lawmakers are responsible for the current status of Dhaka as they are involved with businesses that cause environmental hazards. Thus the political parties show lack of commitment, he added.
Syeda Rizwana Hasan, director of Bangladesh Environment Lawyers’ Association (BELA) said about Tk 12,000 crore is being used to save the river Buriganga while Tk 500 crore is needed to relocate the tanneries.
She urged all to do the math and find out how the cost of environmental degradation is too high compared to profits earned by the industries.
Kazi Rafiqul Alam, president of Dhaka Ahsania Mission and chairperson of Ganashakkharata Abhijan Council, and Tapan Kumar Das also spoke.

Courtesy of The Daily Star