Dhaka: Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan announced today that a 'Zero Soil' initiative is being implemented to combat air pollution in Dhaka, primarily caused by dust. She emphasized the need for collaboration between city corporations, the forest department, and citizens to ensure the success of this initiative.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Rizwana highlighted the importance of covering open soil around homes with grass and planting trees on rooftops. During the inaugural ceremony of a tree plantation programme, organized jointly by the Forest Department and Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) at Harar Bari in Purbachal New Town, she urged citizens to plant as many trees as possible and strive for 'Zero Soil' in open spaces.
The programme involves planting saplings along road medians, footpaths, and the banks of canals and water bodies to enhance greening efforts. Rizwana expressed the goal of setting a model example in the DNCC area by September, stressing the significance of greening in daily life and the importance of preserving natural ecosystems. She emphasized that forest ecosystems cannot be artificially created but need to be nurtured and grown.
Rizwana also called for integrating housing with forest-based environments and urged all relevant parties to begin coordinated implementation of planned activities. DNCC sources reported ongoing efforts to green 120 km of medians and 108 km of canal banks. Additionally, joint afforestation initiatives have been launched in RAJUK's Uttara Residential Sector and Purbachal, with the involvement of local communities and volunteer organizations.
The event was chaired by DNCC Administrator Mohammad Azaz and attended by several dignitaries, including Environment Secretary Dr Farhina Ahmed, RAJUK Chairman Engineer Md. Riazul Islam, and Chief Conservator of Forests Md Amir Hosain Chowdhury. Following the ceremony, Rizwana inaugurated the Zero Soil programme by planting grass along the roadside near the Banani graveyard.