Reducing air pollution is a time-consuming process that depends on economic capability, growth patterns, communication facilities, and transportation systems, according to Environment, Forests, and Climate Change Advisor Syeda Rizwana Hasan.
She pointed out that 28 percent of Bangladesh’s air pollution comes from power plants, while 30 to 35 percent comes from sources outside the nation. She emphasized the necessity of a clear action plan to reduce pollution.
According to her, reducing air pollution cannot be achieved without enhancing gasoline quality and expanding refinery capacity.
Even neighboring countries that have enhanced their refineries still struggle with air pollution, often ranking among the most polluted cities, Rizwana said.
Therefore, she said, Bangladesh must adopt a long-term strategy to combat pollution effectively.
The environment adviser made the remarks as the chief guest at a Stakeholder Consultation Workshop on the Bangladesh Clean Air Project held at the Department of Environment (DoE), Agargaon, here.
She said merely monitoring and reporting the deterioration of air quality is not enough; concrete actions must be taken.
According to the adviser, the DoE will set up a hotline for residents to report problems with air pollution in the winter.
She emphasized that, as has previously been seen in the vicinity of the Padma Bridge, planting trees beside traffic barriers can aid in lowering dust pollution.
According to Rizwana, the DoE has been instructed to put in place efficient measures to reduce air pollution in the upcoming winter.
Calling for bold economic decisions to combat air pollution, she stressed the need for strict measures against polluting brick kilns and proposed that some steel mills may need to suspend operations for 2-3 months during winter to reduce emissions.
Additionally, the environment adviser emphasised the importance of strictly enforcing the ban on buses older than 20 years.
She stated, “This project must be designed in a way that ensures visible improvements in air quality. If we can reduce dust pollution by 13 percent and control industrial emissions, we will make significant progress.”
According to Rizwana, the World Bank has already joined the initiative, but more development partners should be included to make sure it addresses the actual requirements of the nation and offers workable answers for its citizens.
Other speakers at the event included Christian Albert Peter, Manager-Environment, World Bank; Anna Luisa Lima, Senior Environment Specialist, World Bank; Dr. Farhina Ahmed, Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change; and Dr. Md. Kamruzzaman, Director General, Department of Environment.
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