The Department of Environment (DoE) Chattogram fined nine businesses, including three shipbreaking yards, Tk 8,20,000 in total for polluting the environment and violating the stipulated conditions in DoE's clearance certificate.

The fine was imposed after a hearing at DoE office at Khulsi area of the port city.

Mohammad Moazzom Hossain, director of DoE Chattogram (region), told The Daiy Star that KSA Steel, Sima Automatic Re-Rolling Mills and Sima Steel did not renew their clearance certificate violating the conditions stipulated when issuing clearance certificate

At the same time, they were found polluting the environment by ignoring the guidelines set by the DoE, prompting it to slap them a total of Tk 3,20,000, he added.

On the other hand, six other businesses, including a rice mill, two brick kilns, a diagnostic centre, and a fish farm were fined Tk five lakh for not renewing their clearance certificates.