DHAKA : Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today directed the authorities concerned to ensure a comprehensive waste management system and mandatory integration of renewable energy in the Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone in Anwara, Chattogram.

The directives came during a meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC), where the ‘Supporting Infrastructure Project for Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone' project was approved conditional upon addressing environmental issues and incorporating sustainable energy solutions into the project design.

State Minister for Planning Zonayed Abdur Rahim Saki disclosed the information while briefing reporters at NEC Conference room in the city following the ECNEC meeting held at the Cabinet Division in the city.

The ECNEC approved the "Supporting Infrastructure Project for Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone" at an estimated cost of Tk 4,189.4597 crore, aimed at accelerating industrialization and attracting foreign investment.

Of the total project cost of Tk 4,189.4597 crore, the government will provide Tk 1,722.1985 crore, while Tk 2,467.2612 crore will come from project loans and grants. 

During the review of the project proposal, the Prime Minister emphasized the need to strengthen environmental safeguards and instructed the implementing agencies to incorporate several key measures before execution.

He directed the establishment of a full-fledged waste management system to ensure that all industrial waste is handled in accordance with modern environmental standards and protocols.

The Prime Minister also ordered the installation of an advanced Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP), stressing that the treated water must be reusable after purification. 

He instructed officials to address shortcomings in the original proposal and ensure that no environmental gaps remain in the project design.

In addition, he made the integration of solar-based renewable energy a mandatory component of the project.

He directed that solar panels be installed across the industrial zone to promote the use of clean and sustainable energy.

The State Minister for Planning said the project has been approved subject to the incorporation of the Prime Minister’s directives regarding waste management, advanced water treatment and reuse facilities, and renewable energy integration during the implementation phase.

He added that the implementing agencies would be required to reflect these environmental and sustainability measures in the final project execution plan.