Air pollution: DoE collects Tk13.78cr in fines, shuts down 308 brick kilns since 2 Jan

In a bid to curb air pollution, the Department of Environment (DoE) conducted a total of 442 mobile court operations across the country since 2 January, leading to 1,041 cases and fines amounting to Tk13.78 crore.

The department conducted the operations under special directives from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change to take strict measures to curb air pollution, reads a press statement.

During these operations, the DoE also completely shut down 199 illegal brick kilns and demolished their chimneys.

Additionally, 109 brick kilns were ordered to shut down, 31 kilns had their raw bricks destroyed, and six truckloads of battery smelting equipment were seized from five factories, which were subsequently closed.

Furthermore, since 3 November 2024, a total of 328 mobile court operations have been conducted across the country against the production, sale, supply, and marketing of banned polythene.

These operations have resulted in fines amounting to Tk48.45 lakh collected from 634 establishments.

Additionally, over 1.55 lakh kg of banned polythene has been seized, utility connections of 11 polythene manufacturing factories have been disconnected, and the factories have been sealed.

Meanwhile, today (13 February 2025), a mobile court was conducted in Aftabnagar, Dhaka, against air pollution caused by construction materials. This resulted in five cases and fines totalling Tk33,000, along with warnings issued to several business owners.

On the same day, eight mobile court drives were carried out in Cumilla, Chattogram, Faridpur, Noakhali, and Feni. These operations resulted in 15 cases, fines of Tk28 lakh, the demolition of nine brick kiln structures, orders to shut down three kilns, and the destruction of approximately 4 lakh raw bricks from two kilns.

In Shariatpur and Gazipur, two mobile court drives were conducted against the illegal production, sale, and distribution of banned polythene. This led to three cases, fines of Tk2.2 lakh, and the seizure of approximately 12,950 kg of banned polythene nationwide.

Additionally, business owners were warned about the consequences of illegal polythene trade.

A mobile court drive was also carried out in Noakhali to prevent noise pollution. As a result, four vehicle drivers were fined Tk14,000, and five hydraulic horns were confiscated. Several other drivers were also warned about noise pollution regulations.

The government remains committed to continuing such enforcement actions to curb pollution and protect the environment.