Government of Bangladesh considers relocation of Dhaka tanneries to save Buriganga river
The environment minister of Bangladesh, Shahjahan Siraj, has said that the government is close to a decision to shift tanneries away from Dhaka in order to save the Buriganga river. Addressing a reception to celebrate the successful implementation of an anti-polythene programme in Dhaka, the minister said: "We are looking for a new place to relocate the tanneries far away from the capital."
According to the minister a number of meetings had already taken place within the government to try and save the Buriganga river - which is on the verge of becoming "dead", or incapable of sustaining life. The minister said that if necessary the government would pass new laws to free the river from encroachments and pollution. He also added that the government planned to radically improve air quality in the capital over the next six months with a drive to reduce black and contaminated smoke.
