Utilities cut off for all tanneries in Dhaka City

Utility connections to all tanneries inside Dhaka city have been snapped.

The Department of Environment (DoE) said on Sunday that it has completed cutting off power, gas and water supplies to the factories at the capital's Hazaribagh.

“Power supplies have been disconnected at 224 factories, and water and gas connections in 193 and 54 factories respectively,” DoE Assistant Director Samarkrishna Das told bdnews24.com.

He said they will file an update with the High Court over their drive on Sunday.

On Mar 30, the Supreme Court ordered to closure of all tanneries at Hazaribagh by Apr 6.

The Appellate Division's order followed a petition by factory owners seeking to stay the High Court verdict to pay Tk 308 million in penalties.

Tanners also sought a review of the appeals court's decision imposing Tk 10,000 fine each day until they shift to the leather industry zone at Savar on the outskirts of the city.

On Mar 6 this year, the High Court ordered closure of the factories after a petition was filed by Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association (BELA).

Tanners moved the Appellate Division against it but failed to get a verdict in their favour.

They moved another petition with the top court, which was turned down.

Businesses then filed for a review of the decision over the fine imposed on them for causing environmental damage.

The court told them that they have to shut down factories by Apr 6 before moving with any other motion.

Following the Supreme Court's order, the DoE started its drive to snap utility connections on Saturday, which ended on Sunday.