Yet another inferno in the making!

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Nilratan Halder Even the inferno that engulfed Nimtoli of old Dhaka on account of the chemical godowns' turning into a live bomb each, when fire issued from short-circuit or otherwise in one of those, has failed to provide the impetus for moving such warehouses from that congested locality to its designated site in Keraniganj. As the ministry of industries rant over the stalemate, the chemical traders there are trying to avoid shifting of their business to the new location on this or that pretext. Nimtoli came into focus because of the unprecedented fire there and the toll it took within hours. But then Hazaribagh poses even a greater threat not only because the 700-800 chemical godowns set up for 194 tannery factories there have become a time bomb -one that can go off any moment -but also because of the chemical pollution it has been causing for decades with its ill effects on the environment and human health. The issue of relocation of the tanneries from Hazaribagh has even a longer history of foot-dragging. Because of unscientific handling and disposal of chemicals used for tanning animal hides, the air of Hazaribagh has become heavily polluted and people both involved with the trade and living within the vicinity are bearing the brunt. This was reported by a leading national Bangla daily last Tuesday. Those coming in direct touch are developing serious eczema. They may develop a host of diseases, according to a medical specialist from the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU). They run the risk of suffering from skin cancer, ulcer, liver problem, lungs cancer, bronchitis, anaemia and heart disease. After treatment of hide, the effluent is disposed of in the open for it to flow into the river Buriganga. Unsurprisingly, therefore, the water of the river has become unfit for survival of any living organism. Jet black, the water gives the impression that the river has turned into a huge cesspool. The ticking time bomb created from dangerous concentration of godowns --both approved and unapproved at the site -- may suddenly cause a tragedy of cataclysmic proportion in the area. Even if it does not happen, the slow poisoning now taking hold in terms of health hazards and environmental damage will have a lasting impact. Neither fish nor any other living organism such as water plants is found in the Buriganga. Even a desert provides enough favourable environment for survival of a few plants and animals. The Buriganga has turned into something worse than any hostile desert. What is so surprising is that such a nightmarish development could not bring the policy-makers and political leaders to their senses about the immediate task at hand to obviate the situation. This is how underdevelopment eats into the very vital of good governance. In the United States of America where administration has virtually become dysfunctional, a development concerning the turmeric powder of Pran brand from Bangladesh provides the cue. When this powder was suspected to be the cause of illness suffered by one of the Bangladeshi expatriates in the USA, samples of the powder from various places in that country was put to laboratory test and several tests confirmed that the turmeric powder contained far higher level of lead than the accepted one. An order was issued for immediate withdrawal of the powder from the US market. Unfortunately, no such action was taken at home after the alarming revelation. Moreover, the Pran company has made a public declaration that its turmeric powder is safe for human health. The authorities concerned have not gone for prompt collection of samples of the powder and its laboratory tests to ascertain how dangerous the powder is for human consumption. Even in India, an order has been issued for regular tests of soft drinks. The Hazaribagh case long warranted a thorough study of the adverse effects of the tanneries on human health and the environment. If chemical particles are in the air and effluent from factories continues to pollute a river considered the lifeline of Dhaka city, how can the authorities remain indifferent to this awful development? Tanners' is a business and they also earn foreign exchange for the country but when adverse impacts outweigh benefits, the administration has to intervene in the interest of greater good. The environment and public health are a neglected area here. Or else, tanneries could not remain there so long where they are now. Pran could not market harmful turmeric powder and still argue over the issue, claiming that it is safe for human consumption. It is not Pran alone, companies and manufacturers of foods and other items market items without adequate safety tests. Ice creams, mustard oil and soft and energy drinks should be regularly made to go through mandatory laboratory tests in order to ensure that they do not contain any ingredient above the accepted level. Like quality of air and water, the quality of foods has to be standardised. Unfortunately, people are yet to be conscious enough about their right to unadulterated, uncontaminated and properly processed foods and food items. All this could happen because the political leaders themselves are unaware of the importance of leaving the environment as undisturbed as possible and ensuring the quality of foods. Traders and businesspeople tend to resort to unethical business practice in order to maximise their profit no matter if it seriously compromises public health. The tanners of Hazaribagh are traders first and they are no different from their counterparts in other businesses. But their action affects the broad city life and beyond, so they must be made to move to their new site in Savar. The sooner it is the better for all. [email protected]