Page 91 - Navy Journal 219

Marine Pollution ...

Ways Forward
Pollution prevention primarily aims at achieving reduction of pollution at the
source. Emphasis need to be given on better implementation and enforcement of
government rules and regulations. All waste coming to sea through drains/
sewerage system should be treated first. Surveillance and monitoring capability
of the ports and other concerned agencies need to be enhanced to check
deliberate oil discharge. Strong voluntary commitment on the part of sea users
and a culture that incorporates safe, secured and environmental friendly sea need
to be grown through public awareness. Strict compliance of Coastal Zone Policy
(CZP) of Bangladesh should be a priority task of all the law enforcement
agencies. According to Economic theory, charging taxes on emissions that cause
pollution will lower environmental impairment in a cost-effective manner by
encouraging behavioral changes. Therefore, units failing to comply with the
pollution standards will be required to pay "Green Tax’ for cleanup. Trial by
media has always been a unique tool to aware people. At the same time judicial
activism also need to be increased.
Determining state water quality standards is very essential for Bangladesh. In the
National Water policy it is specified that effluent disposal by industry to
prevent water pollution should be monitored by relevant Government
agencies. Moreover, the activities of different ministries, departments within the
ministry, local government, rural development and water supply and sewerage
authorities need to be better coordinated
Pollution is considered as the cost of creating products that is not borne by the
producer / polluter. The adverse effects of pollution, such as climate changes,
health diseases and poisonous gas are forms of an impaired environment borne
by everyone whether or not they contribute towards pollution. Therefore,
enriching knowledge of common people on environmental pollution by
Government and Non- Government Organizations (NGO) could be an
economical tool to reduce pollution. In addition subject like Eco-Literacy may be
incorporated in the school syllabus which in turn will reduce pollution caused by
our new generations.
To build up a considerable work force for pollution response operation, BCG,
BN and port authorities need to enhance their capabilities in terms of equipment
and vessel. More purpose built all-weather PCV need to be purchased. IMO level
pollution response training including in- house exercises need to be organized
too. Efforts may be taken to purchase portable pollution response equipment

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