Task force to be formed soon to tackle air pollution: Rizwana

The interim government is making every effort to bring air pollution under control and as part of this initiative, a task force will be formed very soon, said Syeda Rizwana Hasan, the adviser of the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, today (12 December).

The task force will work until the next monsoon, she said during an inter-ministerial meeting held at the Local Government Division's conference room in the secretariat in Dhaka.

Additionally, she said, certain areas are set to be declared as "No Brickfield Zones."

Recognising that air pollution cannot be resolved overnight, citizens are being encouraged to wear masks, Rizwana said.

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

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

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.

Rizwana said 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.

The adviser further instructed 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 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, the adviser to the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development, and Cooperatives, said 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 attended by officials from various ministries, agencies, and expert representatives.