DHAKA, June 21,  (V7N) – The interim government has adopted short, medium, and long-term plans to tackle air pollution in Dhaka and adjacent urban areas, Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan announced.

The decisions were taken at the second meeting of the national air pollution taskforce, held on May 14 at the ministry’s headquarters, chaired by Rizwana, who also serves as Water Resources Adviser.

Tree plantation drive involving city corporations, police, armed forces, and forest and housing departments. A special committee will oversee the initiative, with youth and civil society members assigned tree care responsibilities. Annual incentives will be awarded to the best caretakers.

Launch of a pilot project to green barren patches in Dhaka North and South, Narayanganj, and Gazipur using grass cover.

Twice-daily water sprinkling on roads by DNCC and DSCC to minimize dust.

Scheduled waste collection and road sweeping to reduce resident hardship.

Mandatory packaging of sand during transport instead of carrying in open trucks.

Ban on bricks in all public construction (excluding roads) by end of 2025, favoring concrete blocks.

Legal action against open waste burning.

Public awareness measures, including:

A chapter on citizen responsibility in combating air pollution in school textbooks.

Nationwide Friday mosque sermons (Jummah) promoting cleanliness.

“This is not just a policy approach, but a shift in public attitude and cooperation,” Rizwana said.

END/CLM/RH