Dhaka:Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo has urged the Real Estate and Housing Association of Bangladesh (REHAB) to actively promote environmentally friendly construction practices. He made this call during a review meeting with REHAB representatives at the ministry's meeting room at the Secretariat, as stated in a ministry press release.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the meeting focused on measures to control air and dust pollution, particularly during the dry season, and the increased use of environment-friendly blocks in construction. Minister Mintoo emphasized the need for construction sites to implement dust-control measures and follow environmental regulations. He advocated for the gradual replacement of traditional bricks with eco-friendly blocks.
The minister outlined specific dust-control strategies, including proper enclosure of construction sites, covered storage of materials like soil and sand, and covering vehicles transporting these materials. He also highlighted the importance of cleaning the wheels of vehicles carrying construction materials before entering public roads.
Additionally, Mintoo urged construction operators to avoid leaving materials on roads and footpaths to prevent obstruction and pollution. He recommended spraying water at construction sites at least twice daily and promptly disposing of construction waste in an environmentally sound manner.
State Minister Shaikh Faridul Islam emphasized incorporating dust-control measures into daily construction operations. He suggested assigning designated officials to oversee material covering, water spraying, and waste removal. He also encouraged REHAB to develop project-based plans to enhance the use of environment-friendly blocks in collaboration with government agencies.
REHAB representatives, including President Dr. Ali Afzal and Senior Vice-President Md Abdur Razzaque, called on the government to ensure block quality and address cost concerns associated with replacing bricks with blocks. The meeting also discussed setting targets for block usage in new projects and coordinating with relevant authorities to include blocks in building codes and rationalize taxes on block materials.
The meeting stressed the importance of compliance with environmental regulations, data collection on project progress, and regular monitoring. Present at the meeting were the ministry's Acting Secretary Dr. Fahmida Khanom, Additional Secretary Dr. Md Saidur Rahman, and other officials and REHAB members.