Government to form a task force very soon to make a way out to control air pollution until the next monsoon, Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change said on Thursday explaining government effort to control air pollution.
Syeda Rizwana Hasan, recognised that air pollution cannot be resolved overnight, citizens are being encouraged to wear masks.
She shared these updates during an inter-ministerial meeting held at the Local Government Division's conference room in the Secretariat.
The meeting focused on strategies to combat air pollution in Dhaka and surrounding areas during the dry season.
As per decision, certain areas are set to be declared as "No Brickfield Zones.
Adviser further informed that old vehicles will be removed within the next six months, and the police have been instructed to restrict open trucks from entering the capital.
It was decided in the meeting that effective laws will be implemented to control pollution and regular monitoring will be carried out. All necessary steps will be taken including regular spraying of water to control dust.
Syeda Rizwana Hasan stated that sources of air pollution are being identified, and measures are being implemented. Strict steps are being taken to control dust from construction work, emissions from brick kilns, and vehicle exhaust. She emphasised the importance of raising public awareness, enforcing laws, and enhancing monitoring systems to address the issue effectively.
She further urged relevant authorities to ensure spraying water to reduce dust during construction, cover construction materials, and use protective barriers. Regular use of vacuum trucks for cleaning roads and prompt road repairs were also highlighted as necessary.
Additionally, she stressed planting grass along roadsides, ensuring designated waste disposal areas, and banning the burning of waste.
At the meeting, Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain, Adviser to the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development, and Cooperatives, stated that initiatives will be taken to recover canals and develop open spaces as playgrounds. He also emphasised the need for integrated efforts to improve the country's environmental quality.
The meeting was chaired by the Acting Secretary of the Local Government Division and attended by officials from various ministries, agencies, and experts.
