Govt takes specific action to curb air pollution

City Desk :

Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan on Sunday said the government is committed to addressing air pollution through specific measures.

“The government is taking steps such as controlling road dust and waste burning to reduce public sufferings from air pollution,” she said.

However, the adviser said, implementing long-term solutions like standardizing fuel and modernizing refineries require significant investment and time.

She made the remarks while speaking at a seminar titled ‘Air Quality Research and Environmental Policy Discussion” organised by the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka at the Science Faculty of Dhaka University here.

Rizwana outlined ongoing efforts and future plans to mitigate air pollution in the country.
Highlighting the gravity of air pollution in Bangladesh, she said this is the first time in the country’s history that the Cabinet has discussed air pollution, signifying the importance “we’ve attached to this issue”.

The environment adviser called for behavioral changes, including use of masks and responsible waste disposal, while acknowledging multiple contributors to air pollution, such as road dust, waste burning, and outdated vehicles.

She announced plans to cover Dhaka’s uncovered road dividers with grass during the monsoon and mentioned the formation of a task force and action groups to address specific challenges, such as repairing broken roads to prevent dust pollution.