Govt to form task force soon to check air pollution: Rizwana

Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Syeda Rizwana Hasan today said the government will form a task force to check air pollution.

“The government is making every effort to control air pollution and as part of this initiative, a task force will be formed very soon which will work until the next monsoon,” she said.

Rizwana shared these updates during an inter-ministerial meeting held at the Local Government Division’s conference room in the Secretariat here.

The meeting focused on strategies to combat air pollution in Dhaka and surrounding areas during the dry season.

In addition, the environment adviser said, certain areas are set to be declared as “No Brickfield Zones”.

Recognising that air pollution problem cannot be resolved overnight, she said people are being encouraged to wear masks.

She further informed that old vehicles will be removed from the streets within the next six months, and police have been instructed to restrict open trucks from entering the capital.

Rizwana said sources of air pollution are being identified, and measures are being taken to check air pollution.

“Strict steps are being taken to control dust from construction work, emissions from brick kilns, and vehicle exhaust,” she added.

The adviser emphasised the importance of raising public awareness, enforcing laws, and enhancing monitoring systems to address the issue effectively.

She further instructed the stakeholders to spray 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 necessary,” Rizwana said.

She stressed planting grass along roadsides, ensuring designated waste disposal areas, and banning the burning of waste.

At the meeting, Adviser for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain said initiatives will be taken to recover canals and develop open spaces as playgrounds.

He stressed 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 expert representatives.

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 check dust. (BSS)