HC orders full implementation of 9-point directives to curb Dhaka’s air pollution within 3 weeks

The High Court today (30 October) directed authorities concerned to fully implement the nine-point directives, which the court had issued five years ago to reduce air pollution in Dhaka, within the next three weeks and submit a compliance report.

The HC bench of Justice Md Rezaul Hasan and Justice Urmi Rahman issued the order.

Confirming the matter, Lawyer Manzill Murshid, who represented the petitioner Human Rights and Peace for Bangladesh (HRPB), said the order has been sent to the Department of Environment (DoE), Dhaka North and South city corporations, and other relevant agencies.

"The court initially issued a rule on 29 January 2019 after hearing HRPB's public interest litigation seeking effective measures to curb air pollution in Dhaka. Later, on 13 January 2020, the HC issued nine specific directives aimed at curbing air pollution in Dhaka," he added.

The directives included covering trucks and other vehicles transporting soil, sand, or waste to prevent dust from spreading. Construction sites were ordered to cover materials such as sand, cement, and stones properly. The city corporations were instructed to sprinkle water on roads regularly to reduce dust.

Authorities were also asked to ensure contractors comply with tender conditions during road digging or carpeting works, and to seize vehicles emitting black smoke. The court further directed the restriction of outdated vehicles as per the Road Transport Act.

Additionally, the order called for the closure of illegal brick kilns and tyre factories operating without environmental clearance. Finally, the court instructed city corporations to ensure markets and shops store and dispose of daily waste in designated bags to maintain cleanliness and reduce pollution.

Murshid further said HRPB filed a supplementary petition yesterday, citing recent media reports about the alarming rise in Dhaka's air pollution and related health risks.

"After hearing the matter today, the court ordered the authorities to comply with the nine directives and submit a progress report within three weeks. The next hearing has been scheduled for 30 November," he said.