The Chattogram-based factory has once again been penalized by the Department of Environment (DoE) for releasing untreated liquid waste into a canal linked to the Karnaphuli river, leading to environmental contamination. DoE Director Sonia Sultana imposed a fine of Tk 1.99 lakh on Smart Jeans Ltd following a hearing at the department’s metropolitan office today. This is the second time the factory has been fined, with a previous penalty imposed on June 4 for a similar violation.
The factory discharged approximately 9,900 cubic meters of liquid waste into the canal while its Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) was non-operational, as per the DoE’s findings. The breach was identified through testing samples of the discharged waste, which is in violation of the Environmental Conservation Rules.
During the hearing, Md Sakib, the assistant general manager of Smart Jeans Ltd, attributed the incident to a technical malfunction in the ETP. He assured that measures were being taken to address the issue and prevent its recurrence in the future.
Muktadir Hasan, assistant director of DoE’s Chattogram Metropolitan Office, highlighted the significance of the Karnaphuli river as Chattogram’s vital resource. He stated that the factory was fined for polluting the river and instructed to prevent any future pollution incidents from occurring.