The ‘polluter pays’ principle (PPP) has been a recognized concept in Bangladesh since 1992, following the nation’s endorsement of the Rio Declaration. However, progress in effectively implementing this principle within the country has been minimal.
The core idea behind the ‘polluter pays’ principle is to ensure that individuals or entities responsible for pollution bear the costs associated with its prevention or remediation. This mechanism aims to incentivize environmentally responsible behavior by making polluters financially accountable for the damage they cause.
Despite its long-standing acknowledgment in policy frameworks, the practical application of the ‘polluter pays’ principle in Bangladesh has been significantly hampered. Reports indicate that legal processes and potential delays in the judicial system are major obstacles to its enforcement.
This struggle to operationalize the ‘polluter pays’ principle means that the environmental burden may continue to fall disproportionately on the public or the state, rather than on the entities directly contributing to pollution. The effectiveness of environmental protection measures is often linked to robust enforcement mechanisms, which appear to be lacking in this regard.
Source: Mongabay