Environmental Impact And Management In The Face Of Industrial Growth: A Study Of Noapara Municipal Area, Jessore, Bangladesh

Abstract

The rapid growth of Bangladesh's population and labor force has made industrialization essential, as agriculture alone cannot sustain the increasing workforce. Industrial development, while driving urbanization and economic growth, often results in unplanned and uncontrolled expansion, posing significant threats to the surrounding built environment. This study focuses on the environmental management practices in industrial zones within Noapara municipality, a Class-A municipality in Bangladesh. The research reveals that industries in Noapara fail to adopt scientific methods for waste management, contributing to environmental degradation. Moreover, agencies responsible for managing industrial waste face severe challenges, including insufficient technical and non-technical manpower, lack of facilities and equipment, and inadequate budgetary support. Compounding these issues, residents in industrial and surrounding areas are largely unaware of the detrimental effects of improper waste management. The study also explores the municipality's role in granting No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for industrial setups, analyzing data from the NOC register to classify industries established between 2000 and 2016. Findings highlight critical gaps in current practices and emphasize the urgent need for enhanced waste management strategies, institutional capacity building, and community awareness to promote sustainable industrial development and environmental protection.