Faulty environmental clearances are in no way acceptable: Rizwana

Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan today stressed stronger enforcement, institutional capacity, transparency and accountability in environmental regulation, along with an end to faulty clearances.

“Strict law enforcement in environmental protection and irregularities in issuing clearance certificates must be eliminated. Enforcement is not just about fines,” she said while speaking as the chief guest at a seminar organised by the World Bank in Gazipur’s Sreepur upazila today.

She also said faulty environmental clearances are in no way acceptable in enhancing institutional capacity, transparency, and accountability for pollution control and law enforcement.

Rizwana also urged officials of the Department of Environment (DoE) to act creatively and fearlessly.

The adviser also called for targeting hotspots such as dyeing industries, cement factories, and brick kilns.

“We must focus on the worst polluters with proper budgeting and planning. Publish the names of polluters online. With information accessible, citizens will support enforcement against political pressure,” she stressed.

She strongly criticised the practice of granting site clearances in ecologically sensitive areas.

“Site clearances for waste dumping centers in flood flow zones are irresponsible and legally flawed. Even under political pressure, officials must send objection letters. If you cannot perform your duties, then be transferred – but do not compromise the environment,” she said.

World Bank’s Division Director for Bangladesh and Bhutan Jean Pesme, former director general of the Anti-Corruption Commission and the National Museum of Science and Technology Muhammad Munir Chowdhury, Gazipur Deputy Commissioner Nafisa Arefin, Bangladesh Environmental Sustainable and Transformed Project Director AKM Rafiqul Islam, and World Bank Bangladesh Environment Specialist Bushra Nishat also spoke on the occasion.