Jinnath Ayub : Greenery all around. Small hills on both sides of the road, rows of trees of various varieties. Not only have trees been planted, but several artificial lakes have also been created around the mountain. Thus, the Korean Export Processing Zone (KEPZ) has been developed with a focus on green.
2.7 million trees have been planted in the last two decades in KEPZ, the country’s only eco-friendly private export processing zone, developed at Anwara-Karnaphuli in Chittagong. A study by Chittagong University has also revealed that there are more than four hundred species of plants and flora in KEPZ.
But before the establishment of KEPZ in 1999, those two thousand 492 acres of Anwara-Karnaphuli were dunes without vegetation, dry and barren. The entire region was occupied by smugglers, pirates and terrorists. The local people then called the place Texas because of the sand. Most of the time, it was dry. Again, when the rainy season came, everything would be submerged under water.
But that is no longer the case. KEPZ authorities decided to collect rainwater. Dams and roads are built together. In this way, rainwater is collected by constructing large reservoirs.
Those concerned say that 27 reservoirs of KEPZ accumulate about 500 million gallons of water annually. As a result, the villages have been saved from floods, and water is available in the dry season as well. The problem of underground water in the surrounding area has been eliminated.
Deputy General Manager (DGM) of KEPZ Mushfiqur Rahman told Ekushey Patrika, “Work has started to build a botanical garden in KEPZ to protect rare species and endangered plants and flora. KEPZ aims to be a model eco-friendly export zone. Twenty-seven lakh trees have been planted here so far. New plans are being taken to bring more greenery. Efforts are being made to increase the amount of water conservation.
In 1996, Young One Corporation registered with the Bangladesh government to establish Korean EPZ. Yang One Corporation received the land allotment in August 1999. The then and current Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, inaugurated this project in October of the same year. KEPZ’s environmental clearance was issued in 2009.
After that, the Work of creating an eco-friendly industrial zone started there. Greening and construction of reservoirs have been completed in 52 per cent of the entire zone in accordance with the instructions of the Department of Environment. Construction of other infrastructure, including industrial plots, is ongoing in the remaining 48 per cent. These initiatives of KEPZ for environmental development are being appreciated in the country and abroad.
Forty-two industrial units are currently set up in KEPZ under 15 investment companies. Each industrial unit manufactures a variety of products through the use of high-tech machinery and is exporting products worth $400 million every year, which is constantly increasing.
Currently, eight more industrial units under construction are nearing completion. About 30 thousand workers from Anwara, Banshkhali, Patia and surrounding areas are working here, 75 per cent of which are local women workers. As a result of this, there is extensive economic and socio-social development in the surrounding areas, along with the empowerment of women.
To meet the needs of the modern world, three specialized textile factories with manmade fibre manufacturing technology have been established in the KEPZ Textile Zone. Work on two more industrial plants has also started. The textile products produced here are being exported to garment factories in the country and abroad.
Setting up a hi-tech park in the designated 100-acre IT zone is progressing rapidly. Apart from this, infrastructural development has started to build an IT development complex spread over 50 acres of land. Where 18 specialized IT buildings will be constructed. 10 Design Development Centers are being established in KEPZ along with other industrial establishments, Where research and development work will be done for the development of manufactured products. If all these IT parks and research centres are established, skilled manpower will be created through technology transfer, and they are expected to play an important role in the industrial development of the country.
Meanwhile, infrastructure development is underway by dividing KEPZ into different zones to set up different industries according to the needs of investors. Land development work has started for setting up a Textile and Fashion Institute with the aim of building skilled manpower through technology transfer.
Also, a health complex comprising of medical college, nursing college and a modern hospital will be established to provide quality health care. As part of infrastructure development, 42 km of roads have been constructed across KEPZ. The electricity transmission system is operational by laying 38 km of electric lines. About a 7 km gas line network has been laid.
The KEPZ authority has set an exemplary example by setting up a 40 MW solar power project. At present, 22 megawatts of electricity are being generated here daily. Surplus electricity, after meeting its own demand, is supplied to the national grid. The entire electricity generated during holidays is fed into the national grid.
Deputy General Manager (DGM) of KEPZ Mushfiqur Rahman told Ekushey Patrika, “If cooperation from all levels continues, it will be possible to collect more foreign currency by setting up modern industrial establishments through new foreign investments in KEPZ. With the increase in economic activities, a new suburb with all kinds of civic amenities will be created here.”
“Also, through technical assistance and technology transfer, local industries will prosper. Above all, KEPZ will be established as an international standard eco-friendly industrial zone, which will brighten the image of the country. Mushfiqur Rahman added.
