2024-10-02 19:57:05
Published: 22:54, 2 October 2024 Updated: 22:54, 2 October 2024
The government has decided to create an action plan, research and awareness to deal with lead pollution. The decision was taken in the first meeting of the multisectoral steering committee held at the conference room of the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change on Wednesday (October 2).
The first meeting of the Multisectoral Steering Committee was held to formulate an integrated action plan with various stakeholders to identify, control and prevent lead pollution.
The meeting was chaired by the secretary of the ministry. Farhina Ahmed.
It was decided in the meeting that reports would be sought from various ministries and rules would be framed under the Hazardous Substances Control Act to deal with lead pollution.
The committee will review the activities already undertaken by the participants and take the initiative to formulate a comprehensive policy by presenting the results. A working committee will be formed to develop a time-bound course of action. Sources of lead contamination must obtain environmental permits and address any identified deficiencies in efforts.
The meeting emphasized capacity building and research in lead pollution monitoring. Extended producer responsibility (EPR) will be implemented to address waste related to lead contamination in the battery and recycling industries. Awareness campaigns will be conducted and activities will be undertaken to identify the sources of pollution. A small working committee will be formed from the Department of Health Services to develop more lab facilities. The Ministry of Education will also include this in the education program.
The meeting was attended by various government institutions and international organizations such as UNICEF, WHO, World Bank, USAID, ADB, Pure Earth Bangladesh and national non-governmental organizations such as ESDO, Bangladesh Paint Manufacturers Association, Bangladesh Ship Breakers and Recyclers Association, Accumulator Battery Manufacturers and Exporters Association of Bangladesh, Bangladesh Representatives of Aluminum Manufacturers Association were present.
Naeemuddin/NH