(BSS) - Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan today warned that strict legal action would be taken against anyone found burning waste in open areas such as Matuail and Aminbazar.

Both government and non-government individuals involved in such activities will be identified and held accountable, she said.

Rizwana emphasised that construction materials must be covered to reduce air pollution.

“Sand and other construction materials must be transported in covered trucks; otherwise, action will be taken. To enforce this, magistrates from the Department of Environment (DoE), RAJUK, City Corporations, and other relevant agencies will work jointly,” she said.

The environment adviser made these remarks while addressing a stakeholder meeting as the chief guest at the Bangladesh Secretariat here.

The meeting focused on coordinated actions to control air pollution in the capital, Dhaka.
The adviser further stated that service providers must avoid uncoordinated road digging.

“A ‘No Brick Field Zone’ policy will be implemented. Water must be sprayed on roads and nearby areas to control dust. If rules are violated, special area-based enforcement drives will be conducted,” she added
Rizwana said greening the city is essential while grass must be planted on road dividers.

Effective measures must be taken to reduce air pollution to protect future generations, she said, adding that public participation will be ensured in all actions.

Chaired by Dr Farhina Ahmed, Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, the meeting was attended, among others, by Md. Rezaul Maksud Jahedi, Secretary of the Local Government Division, Md. Nazrul Islam, Secretary of the Ministry of Housing and Public Works, Engr. Md. Riazul Islam, Chairman of RAJUK, Md. Yasin, Chairman of BRT, Md. Shamim Akhtar, Chief Engineer of the Public Works Department, Dr. Fahmida Khanom, Additional Secretary (Environment), and Dr. Kamaruzzaman, Director General of the Department of Environment.