Dhaka:Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo has urged the Real Estate and Housing Association of Bangladesh (REHAB) to actively promote eco-friendly construction practices. This call was made 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 addressed strategies to manage air pollution nationwide, especially in Dhaka during the upcoming dry season. Discussions included methods to reduce dust pollution from construction activities and the increased use of environment-friendly blocks over traditional bricks.
Minister Mintoo emphasized the necessity for construction sites to implement dust-control measures to mitigate air pollution in the dry season. He insisted that organizations involved in construction and repair work comply with environmental regulations and gradually increase the use of eco-friendly blocks. He recommended that construction sites be properly enclosed, with materials like soil and sand stored under cover, and vehicles transporting these materials should be covered and cleaned before entering roads.
Furthermore, the minister stressed the importance of not leaving construction materials on roads and footpaths, which hinders public movement and contributes to dust pollution. He suggested water spraying at construction sites and adjacent areas at least twice daily, or more frequently if dust levels demand it. Mintoo also highlighted the need for prompt and environmentally sound removal of construction waste.
State Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shaikh Faridul Islam added that dust-control measures should be integrated into the daily operations of all construction projects. He proposed that designated officials oversee the covering of materials, regular water spraying, and waste disposal. He urged REHAB member companies to develop project-based plans for increasing the use of environmentally friendly blocks, coordinating these initiatives with relevant government bodies.
REHAB President Dr. Ali Afzal and Senior Vice-President Md Abdur Razzaque spoke on behalf of the delegation, urging the government to ensure the quality of blocks and to prevent any increase in construction costs due to their use. The meeting also covered setting targets for the inclusion of eco-friendly blocks in new projects and preparing time-bound action plans.
Proposals were made to collaborate with Rajuk and other authorities to expand block usage, incorporate blocks into building codes and approval processes, and adjust VAT, taxes, and import duties on raw materials used in block production. The meeting concluded with a call for stronger adherence to environmental regulations, collection of project-based progress data, and regular monitoring.
The ministry's Acting Secretary Dr. Fahmida Khanom, Additional Secretary of the Environment Pollution Control and Law Wing Dr. Md Saidur Rahman, along with other officials and REHAB members, were present at the meeting.