Dhaka:Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo has called on the Real Estate and Housing Association of Bangladesh (REHAB) to actively promote environmentally friendly construction methods. This appeal was made during a review meeting with REHAB representatives held at the ministry’s meeting room at the Secretariat.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the meeting focused on strategies to mitigate air pollution nationwide, especially in Dhaka, during the upcoming dry season. Discussions included reducing dust pollution from construction activities and increasing the use of eco-friendly blocks in construction projects.
Minister Mintoo emphasized the necessity for construction sites to implement dust-control measures to lessen air pollution during the dry season. He highlighted that construction and repair organizations must adhere to environmental regulations and gradually increase the use of environment-friendly blocks over traditional bricks.
Mintoo stressed the importance of proper enclosure of construction sites, covered storage of materials like soil and sand, and ensuring vehicles transporting these materials are covered. Additionally, he called for cleaning the wheels of such vehicles before they access public roads. He urged against leaving construction materials on roads and footpaths, as this obstructs movement and exacerbates dust pollution.
Moreover, the minister recommended that water should be sprayed at construction sites and nearby areas at least twice daily, with adjustments based on dust levels. Immediate and environmentally sound removal of construction waste was also underscored, instead of leaving or burning it in open spaces.
State Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shaikh Faridul Islam insisted that dust-control measures become a routine part of every construction project’s operations. He advocated for assigning designated officials to oversee covering construction materials, regular water spraying, and waste management. He encouraged REHAB member companies to develop project-specific plans to enhance the use of eco-friendly blocks in partnership with government agencies.
REHAB President Dr. Ali Afzal and Senior Vice-President Md Abdur Razzaque, representing the delegation, requested government assurance on the quality of blocks and measures to prevent cost increases when replacing bricks with blocks. The meeting also addressed setting targets for block usage in new projects and creating time-bound action plans.
Proposals were made to collaborate with Rajuk and other authorities to broaden block usage, integrate blocks into building codes, and adjust VAT, taxes, and import duties on block raw materials. The meeting highlighted the need for stricter compliance with environmental regulations in construction, data collection on project progress, 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, and other officials, along with REHAB members, attended the meeting.