The New Nation - Internet Edition

SHIP breaking yards in Bangladesh have become death traps for workers. On average, one worker dies in the yards a week and one injured every day. Four workers were killed, three buried under blasted iron scraps and 20 others injured in a powerful explosion at a ship-breaking yard in Chittagong on Saturday. Seven workers died in a similar incident last October. According to reports, some 300 ship-breaking workers were killed and 1000 others injured since 2006. The workers died in explosions or by inhaling poisonous gases contained in hulls or pipes of old ships.

Ship-breaking has immense importance for the economy. Nearly 100 to 130 outdated vessels are scrapped annually in about 100 ship-breaking yards. Scrap iron from old ships is the main source of raw material for steel re-rolling mills that produce MS rods and sheets. Some two lakh workers are directly or indirectly involved in the industry. But this should not be at the cost of the environment and human life. Pollution of water in the Bay by toxic substances discharged from old ships is believed to be one of the causes of sharp decline in marine fish production.

Under the Basel Convention, old vessels should be decontaminated and made gas free before import for breaking. India recently banned several contaminated ships that tried to enter that country under false identity. But ships used for carrying toxic substances are easily brought into Bangladesh. The situation has not improved despite a recent High Court order against ship-breaking without environmental clearance. Breaking of contaminated ships continues unabated. Concerned government agencies should monitor the import of old ships. Safety standards should be set and made mandatory for ship-breaking to avoid accidents. Workers should be given due compensation in cases of death or injury.