Govt strict on curbing air, noise, polythene pollution
Staff Reporter :
As part of a nationwide initiative, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, through the Department of Environment (DoE), carried out 1,540 mobile court drives between January 2 and September 11 this year targeting air, noise, and polythene pollution.
According to a ministry press release, the operations led to 3,797 cases being filed and fines totaling Tk 26 crore 38 lakh 26 thousand 900.
During this period, major enforcement actions were taken to combat environmental hazards. A total of 489 illegal brick kilns were dismantled with their chimneys demolished, while directives were issued for shutting down 216 more kilns.
In addition, raw bricks were destroyed at 133 sites.
Authorities also sealed 25 illegal polythene factories and disconnected their utility services. Utility connections of 132 other establishments were cut off for violating environmental laws.
Furthermore, four individuals were handed prison sentences without parole. Nine truckloads of lead and battery-melting equipment were confiscated, and 13 institutions engaged in such activities were closed.
On September 12 alone, mobile courts in Feni, Chattogram, and Narayanganj took action against the illegal production and distribution of banned polythene under the Bangladesh Environment Conservation Act. These drives resulted in nine cases, Tk 65,000 in fines, and the seizure of 319 kilograms of polythene. Awareness leaflets were also distributed in markets and super shops to encourage public participation in environmental protection.
On the same day, two mobile courts were conducted in Manikganj and the Motijheel-Gulistan area of Dhaka to curb emissions of black smoke from vehicles. Seven cases were lodged and Tk 15,000 in fines were realized, while several drivers received warnings for excessive smoke.
In a separate move, five mobile courts operated in Narail, Bandarban, Shariatpur, Manikganj, and Chattogram to tackle noise pollution under the Noise Pollution Control Rules, 2006. These actions led to 19 cases, Tk 40,000 in fines, and the confiscation of 34 hydraulic horns.
The Department of Environment has announced that such drives will continue across the country to protect the environment and safeguard public health.
