Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Advisor to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Ministry of Water Resources, has stated that no brick kilns will be permitted to operate in Savar Upazila in the upcoming season to implement the declared Degraded Airshed. She urged brick kiln owners to comply with this government decision.
Speaking as the Chief Guest at a meeting held Sunday at the Department of Environment headquarters in Agargaon, the Environment Advisor made this appeal.
She emphasized that if any brick kilns are found operating in violation of the law, mobile courts will be conducted jointly with all relevant government agencies. She further noted that, if necessary, mobile courts will also operate at night to curb air pollution caused by open waste burning, illegal lead smelting, and unlawful pyrolysis plants that burn tires to produce oil.
Additionally, she directed that fines and confiscation of materials be enforced through mobile courts if construction materials are stored or transported in open spaces.
Highlighting the importance of raising public awareness, the Environment Advisor called for initiatives, including newspaper notices, to educate people on preventing air pollution. She expressed hope that, “By working together, we will succeed in implementing the declared Degraded Airshed and restore lost life expectancy for a healthier future.”
The meeting was also addressed by Dr. Farhina Ahmed, Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, as Special Guest, and was chaired by Dr. Md. Kamruzzaman NDC, Director General of the Department of Environment. Among the participants were Tanvir Ahmed, Deputy Commissioner of Dhaka, Md. Anisuzzaman, Superintendent of Police, Md. Ziaul Haque, Director (Air Quality Management) of the Department of Environment, officials from Dhaka North City Corporation, and representatives of various ministries, who shared their views and recommendations.
