On 7 September, an explosion at the SN Corporation (Unit-2) ship-breaking yard in Sitakunda, Chittagong, resulted in one fatality and 12 injuries during the dismantling of the MT Swarajya scrap ship. In response to this tragic incident, the Department of Environment (DoE) has suspended the environmental clearance for both the shipyard and the vessel involved.
The DoE’s decision to halt all activities related to the MT Swarajya scrap ship follows initial findings that reveal several breaches of environmental clearance conditions. These violations were found to be in direct connection to the yard's operations, as well as the clearance stipulations specific to the vessel. The suspension will remain in effect until further notice, as authorities continue a comprehensive investigation into the incident.
The DoE’s actions reflect its concern over regulatory non-compliance and the potential risks posed by unsafe ship-breaking practices. As the investigation proceeds, the department is expected to assess the full extent of the violations and consider further regulatory measures. This incident highlights the need for strict adherence to environmental and safety standards in the ship-breaking industry, particularly to prevent such occurrences in the future.
