Dhaka: The government has embarked on a significant initiative to monitor air quality in roadside areas of Dhaka and Chattogram City Corporation, aiming to identify the extent of air pollution caused by vehicles in these regions. The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) recently approved the project titled ‘The Project for the Improvement of Equipment for Air Pollution Monitoring’, with an estimated cost of TK 103.35 crore.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the project will receive funding from both the Government of Bangladesh (GoB), contributing TK 35.51 crore, and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), providing a grant of TK 67.84 crore. The project will cover the areas of Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC), Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC), and Chattogram City Corporation, with specific goals of identifying pollution sources related to road transport, developing effective policies, and strategizing implementation to reduce air pollution and its associated health hazards.
The Department of Environment (DoE) under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change will implement the project from March 2025 to June 2028. The Japanese grant will be utilized to enhance the capacity to measure and analyze air pollutants primarily from vehicle emissions by establishing Continuous Air Monitoring Stations (CAMS) in Dhaka and Chattogram. This initiative aims to improve air pollution control capabilities.
Planning Adviser Dr. Wahiduddin Mahmud commented on the project after its ECNEC approval, emphasizing the lack of precise data on vehicle-induced air pollution in the country. He highlighted that new CAMS would be established to measure air pollution levels in Dhaka and Chattogram’s city corporation areas, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of vehicular pollution once the project concludes.
A planning commission official indicated that the Department of Environment currently operates 31 surveillance stations, with 16 being Continuous Air Monitoring Stations (CAMSs). These stations provide real-time Air Quality Index (AQI) data, which is regularly updated on the Department’s website, helping to raise public awareness and protect health. Despite vehicular emissions being a major pollution source, the DoE lacks roadside monitoring stations, prompting the project’s initiation with JICA’s support.
The project’s main operations include the installation of 7 roadside CAMS and one Vehicle Customized Air Monitoring Station. Additionally, necessary machinery and equipment will be procured, and boundary walls and land development will be undertaken. A total of 24 roadside CAMS will be set up, with 19 in Dhaka and 5 in Chattogram, selected based on land availability, site security, and access to electricity and network connections.
Earlier, on February 3, a grant agreement and Exchange of Notes were signed between Bangladesh and Japan, formalizing the project’s funding and collaboration.