Special joint operation against pollution launched in Dhaka city

 

A widespread anti-pollution operation, led by the Department of Environment, a was carried out on Saturday across various areas of Dhaka metropolitan city. 

The operation was coordinated with multiple agencies including BRTA, Dhaka North City Corporation, Dhaka South City Corporation, Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (RAJUK), Dhaka Metropolitan Police, RAB, BNCC, Bangladesh Scouts, Green Voice, Fire Service, and Civil Defense. 

A total of 10 magistrate teams conducted mobile courts where applicable. Among these, DoE independently operated 3 magistrate teams to conduct the drives, according to a press release.

Under the Noise Pollution Control Rules 2006, the DoE conducted two mobile courts in Engineers Institution Bangladesh (IEB) and Uttara area. During these operations, 11,000 Taka in fines were imposed across 5 cases, and 12 hydraulic horns were seized. Several vehicle drivers were also issued warning notices.

Against vehicles emitting excessive black smoke, another mobile court in the IEB area levied fines totaling 70,000 Taka through 15 cases. Drivers of offending vehicles were warned and advised on the importance of environmentally friendly driving.

In line with the Air Pollution Control Rules 2022, two mobile courts were held in Basila Mohammadpur and Uttara Diabari areas regarding dust pollution caused by construction materials. These operations resulted in fines totaling 155,000 Taka through 8 cases, and nearby establishments were cautioned to prevent air pollution.

For violations of Section 6(k) of the Bangladesh Environment Conservation Act 1995 (amended 2010) related to the production, sale, supply, and marketing of banned polythene, another mobile court in Uttara imposed fines amounting to 19,000 Taka through 5 cases. Market, supermarket, and shop owners were educated to stop using banned polythene, and leaflets were distributed to the public.

The Department of Environment stated such anti-pollution operations will continue regularly across Dhaka metropolitan and throughout the country to protect public health and the environment.