The government has decided to give Tk 40 instead of Tk 30 for collection of per liter oil leaked into waterways in the Sundarbans area after oil-tanker sank in Shela River spilling 350,000 liters of furnace oil.

"We've decided to increase the amount by Tk 10 to Tk 40 from Tk 30 and now who will collect spilled oil will get Tk 40 for collection of per liter oil" said shipping minister Shajahan Khan after an inter-ministerial meeting here on Sunday.

Besides, the meeting has requested the relief and disaster management ministry to give affected poor people relief, he said.

State minister for power, energy and mineral resources Nasrul Hamid, deputy minister for forest and environment Abdullah Al Islam Jakob, secretary of Prime Minister's Office Abul Kalam Azad, shipping secretary, energy and mineral resources secretary, among others, attended the meeting.

Shajahan Khan said a committee has been constituted with secretary of Prime Minister's Office Abul Kalam Azad as convener for collection of spilled oil from the river.

Villagers and other people are collecting the oil and more team will be formed to collect the oil, he said, adding that there will be medical teams to examine the health of those collecting oil. Besides, there will also be teams of experts to protect aquatic creatures and wildlife in the area.

Replying to a question, he said the movement of river transports through the route has been suspended temporarily. He said it is not possible to close his route permanently because it will create problem for the people, he added.
 
BSS/LY