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Qualitative Assessment of Environmental and Health Aspects of Relocated Tannery Industries at Hemayetpur, Bangladesh

Alisha Jahan Meghna
Department of Environmental Sciences, Jahangirnagar University, Dhaka-1342, Bangladesh

Mohammad Majibur Rahman
Department of Environmental Sciences, Jahangirnagar University, Dhaka-1342, Bangladesh

Mashura Shammi
Department of Environmental Sciences, Jahangirnagar University, Dhaka-1342, Bangladesh

Md. Mostafizur Rahman
Department of Environmental Sciences, Jahangirnagar University, Dhaka-1342, Bangladesh

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

The tannery industries have been identified as one of the main sources of environmental pollution in peripheral Dhaka City. This study was carried out to identify the potential threats of relocated tannery industries at Hemayetpur, Savar, on human health and the environment. A questionnaire-based survey was conducted to identify the health and environmental problems perceived by the workers and residents surrounding the tannery cluster. A total of 100 respondents were selected randomly for the interview to know their perceptions regarding the threats of tannery pollution. The data collection was performed concerning three key points: social wellbeing, environmental issues, and occupational health and safety status. The result demonstrates gross social discrepancies, environmental degradation, and poor occupational safety measures in the newly settled industrial site. In the point of social wellbeing, the people`s perceptions of the present conditions are negative, especially about child labour, gender inequality, and a lack of employment contracts. Although a central effluent treatment plant (CETP) is in operation, its performance is under question, the physical appearance of the adjacent river water says all about the scenario, the residents’ response also supports the bad claim. Since the relocation of the tannery at Hemayetpur, untreated or incomplete treated wastewater is being discharged into the Dhaleshwari River. The relocation task has already emerged as a problem, not only for the environment but also for the very survival of human life. The fish production has been declined due to an excessive pollution load in the river. The workers are suffering from various health complications, such as skin disease, dizziness, and asthma. The findings of this study will help to design a comprehensive assessment of the social and environmental impacts of Hemayetpur tannery sites and commissioning a sustainable and strategic pollution control plan.

Keywords: Leather industry, Chromium, Solid wastes, Occupational health, Liquid waste.

Location: Dhaka district, Bangladesh

Start Date:

End Date:

Program Area: Risk Management in Agriculture

Commodity: Pollution, Leather/tannery

Objectives:

The main objective of this study was to identify the potential impacts of the leather industry to social wellbeing, human health, and environmental impact through the perception of tannery workers and residents.

Methodology:

The study was carried out, in the relocated tannery industrial site at Hemayetpur, to know the potential impact of tannery effluent on the surrounding area, the environmental and human implications related to waste discharge. The study area was chosen deliberately to identify the environmental and health conditions of the tannery workers and residents. A total of 100 respondents were selected randomly upon their prior consent to take part in the survey for an open interview to know their perception regarding the tannery pollution in October 2019. Figure 1 shows the work plan. The methodology used for the present study is shown in the flowchart: The layout of the study plan- Selecting the study area ----- > Collecting primary data ------> Digitalising the collected data ------> Analysing and comparing the data pool.

Source of Information: Bangladesh Journal of Environmental Research, Vol. 11, 1-11, 2020 ISSN: 1996-8914

Article Link (Online Journal): https://www.researchgate.net/publication/342522012

Funding Source:

Budget:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

After the relocation of the tannery in Hemayetpur, it is discharging the liquid wastes into the Dhaleshwari River without proper treatment. The fish production has already declined to cause a shortfall in the local market as perceived by the local people. Solid tannery wastes are being dumped into open places. That is why the local people and workers have to face the bad smell and health-related problems. The lack of proper facility of personal protective equipment for the workers causes exposure to harmful chemicals to the workers’ bodies. Although the tannery industry is deteriorating the very sound condition of our environment and threatening the health of people, it is, fortunately, widening the employment opportunities. The enterprise seems to act as a catalyst for the development of business endeavors and escalating the national gross income. Therefore, a suitable environmental management plan with regular monitoring of environmental quality is highly needed for the newly established tannery hub at Savar.

Knowledge Management: Journal