Dhaka: Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Ministry of Water Resources, has announced that 'Degraded Airsheds' will soon be declared as a measure to control air pollution in Dhaka city. A scientific expert committee will be formed to provide recommendations on this matter, she added. She made these remarks while presiding over a high-level meeting held at the Department of Environment in Agargaon to determine effective measures to tackle Dhaka's worsening air quality.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Environment Adviser directed officials of the Department of Environment to take strong and urgent action to address the situation. She stated that a committee will be formed to identify pollution sources in areas surrounding Dhaka. Additionally, she announced a ban on brick kilns in sensitive regions such as the Chittagong Hill Tracts and Ramgati in Lakshmipur to control emissions.
The Adviser emphasized the need for joint enforcement operations, in coordination with BRTA, against unfit and outdated vehicles contributing to air pollution. She instructed the department to take legal action against those who dump construction materials indiscriminately, burn waste in open spaces or parks, and engage in leaf burning.
Highlighting the importance of public involvement, Rizwana Hasan said, "The Zero Soil Program in Dhaka must include active community participation. No space in the city should be left barren-trees must be planted everywhere." She further added that awareness campaigns must be launched by identifying leaf-burning hotspots, issuing notices to educational institutions, and placing advertisements in newspapers and media outlets.
Enforcement against illegal sand dumping in the Aminbazar area was also ordered, along with a call for volunteer involvement in urban afforestation efforts. The meeting was attended by Dr. Farhina Ahmed, Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change; Mohammad Azaz, Administrator of Dhaka North City Corporation; Dr. Fahmida Khanom, Additional Secretary of the Ministry; Dr. Md. Kamruzzaman, Director General of the Department of Environment; along with officials from the Ministry, the Department of Environment, North and South City Corporations, and representatives from various agencies.