The Bangladeshi government has reclassified the shipbreaking sector from the red to the orange category, responding to industry demands to streamline operations. Previously, shipbreaking yards were required to undergo rigorous environmental impact assessments (EIA) due to the sector's high pollution levels. Business owners argued that the red category designation caused significant financial losses by extending the approval process for new yards to approximately 90 days. By shifting to the orange category, the government may eliminate the mandatory EIA requirement for new facilities. Environmental advocates have expressed strong opposition to this policy change, warning that it compromises essential safety protocols for laborers and increases ecological hazards. They maintain that shipbreaking remains an inherently dangerous and polluting activity that requires strict regulatory oversight rather than deregulation.
Source : Prothom Alo
Photo : Prothom Alo
