The Department of Environment’s Mobile Court has instructed all launches departing from Sadarghat not to carry single-use plastic and polythene and to dispose of food waste and garbage in designated bins instead of throwing them into the river. To raise awareness among passengers, launch authorities, including supervisors and staff, have been directed to take effective measures.
Led by Executive Magistrate Abdullah Al Mamun of the Monitoring and Enforcement Wing of the Department of Environment, the Mobile Court was conducted from 9 PM last night until late at night at Sadarghat Launch Terminal.
With the assistance of the River Police, inspections were carried out to ensure that every launch had designated waste bins. Where bins were insufficient, instructions were given to supply them promptly.
Additionally, the River Police was directed to strengthen monitoring. Awareness campaigns were also conducted inside launches and at the terminal about the harmful effects of single-use plastic. During the operation, the River Police used handheld microphones to alert passengers.
Moreover, last night, an illegal factory melting lead from old batteries was sealed off, and its electricity connection was disconnected in the Konabari Garbage Road area.
The Department of Environment will continue such enforcement operations to protect the environment.