‘Zero Soil’ drive to curb Dhaka’s air pollution: Rizwana

Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan today said a "Zero Soil" initiative is currently ongoing to reduce air pollution caused by dust in the capital and stressed that the city corporations, the forest department and citizens must work together to implement the initiative.

"Open soil around houses should be covered with grass or ivy and trees should be planted on rooftops… Plant as many trees as you can and ensure Zero Soil wherever there is open space," she said at the inauguration ceremony of a tree plantation programme jointly organised by the Forest Department and Dhaka North in Purbachal New Town.

Under the programme, saplings are being planted along road medians, footpaths, canal and water-body banks and other areas suitable for greening.

"We aim to set an example in Dhaka North by September. Everyone must understand the importance of greening and practice it in real life. We must not destroy natural ecosystems. A forest ecosystem cannot be artificially created – it must be nurtured and grown," the adviser added.

She also stressed the need for integrating housing with forest-based environments and called on all concerned agencies to begin coordinated implementation of planned activities.

According to Dhaka North sources, it is currently working to greenify 120km of medians and 108km of canal banks. Besides, joint afforestation programmes have been undertaken in Rajuk's Uttara Residential Sector and Purbachal area.

Local communities and volunteer organisations have also been engaged in the effort.