'Zero Soil' drive to curb Dhaka's air pollution: Environment adviser

Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan today (26 June) said a 'Zero Soil' initiative is being implemented to reduce air pollution caused by dust in the capital and emphasised that the city corporation, the forest department and citizens must work together to implement this 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.

The adviser made the remarks while speaking at the inauguration ceremony of a tree plantation programme jointly organised by the Forest Department and Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) at Harar Bari premises in Purbachal New Town.

Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan plants a tree during a tree plantation programme in Dhaka on 26 June 2025. Photo: TBS

Under this programme, saplings are being planted along road medians, footpaths, canal and water-body banks and other areas suitable for greening, reads a press release.

"We aim to set an example in the DNCC area 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 DNCC sources, the city corporation is currently working to green 120 km of medians and 108 km 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 this effort.

Chaired by DNCC Administrator Mohammad Azaz, the event was attended, among others,  by Dr Farhina Ahmed, secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change; Eng Md Riazul Islam, chairman of RAJUK; and Md Amir Hossain Chowdhury, chief conservator of forests.