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Source: ESPN
Taskforce for relocation of chemical factories
DESPITE the recurrence of the fire incidence in the Old Dhaka, some businessmen are still reluctant to relocate the deadly chemical warehouses and factories and other flammable substances to safer places. Many chemical warehouses which was supposed to be removed elsewhere from the Old City after the Nimtoli tragedy, were found in the same place on Thursday by a taskforce. It appears that without relocation and action against the money making network around the chemical market, the crisis could not be eliminated permanently.
The taskforce comprising of 14 government agencies disconnected the utility lines — electricity, water and gas — of 13 warehouses and factories in the area on the first day of its month-long drive following last week’s fire in Chawkbazar. The Chawkbazar tragedy has reminded people of the Nimtoli inferno which caused 124 deaths in 2010. On Monday, DSCC Mayor Sayeed Khokon announced that a taskforce would launch a month-long drive against warehouses of dangerous chemicals in Old Dhaka. But we are doubtful about the success in avoiding new incident as the DSCC usually go slow soon after the media focus shifts to other issues and the people of the area forget the pains of the infernos till another tragedy hits them.
As storing or using flammable substances at factories in a residential area is restricted, the taskforce snapped utility services of many warehouses and factories. The taskforce evicted illegal factory owners without giving them any time, though many of them were committed to relocate their factories in last nine years. The taskforce found the factories without environmental clearance and fire safety arrangements are producing polyester and other goods.
It is feared that after ending the drive, the factory owners may resume the production, exposing the old danger. Lack of continued monitoring is the prime cause behind their return. The DSCC should strengthen the factory inspection to avert the fresh incidents while creating awareness among the dwellers, building and factory owners are utter necessary to address.
The taskforce comprising of 14 government agencies disconnected the utility lines — electricity, water and gas — of 13 warehouses and factories in the area on the first day of its month-long drive following last week’s fire in Chawkbazar. The Chawkbazar tragedy has reminded people of the Nimtoli inferno which caused 124 deaths in 2010. On Monday, DSCC Mayor Sayeed Khokon announced that a taskforce would launch a month-long drive against warehouses of dangerous chemicals in Old Dhaka. But we are doubtful about the success in avoiding new incident as the DSCC usually go slow soon after the media focus shifts to other issues and the people of the area forget the pains of the infernos till another tragedy hits them.
As storing or using flammable substances at factories in a residential area is restricted, the taskforce snapped utility services of many warehouses and factories. The taskforce evicted illegal factory owners without giving them any time, though many of them were committed to relocate their factories in last nine years. The taskforce found the factories without environmental clearance and fire safety arrangements are producing polyester and other goods.
It is feared that after ending the drive, the factory owners may resume the production, exposing the old danger. Lack of continued monitoring is the prime cause behind their return. The DSCC should strengthen the factory inspection to avert the fresh incidents while creating awareness among the dwellers, building and factory owners are utter necessary to address.
