Staff Reporter:
In response to the demands from vehicle owners, the government has decided to give them six months to phase out old and unfit vehicles from the capital, and switch to environment-friendly vehicles.
Environment adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan announced this decision while briefing journalists after a discussion held at the Power House in the capital on the significance of removing old vehicles for controlling air pollution in Dhaka.
The adviser stated that removing these old vehicles will significantly improve air quality in Dhaka, which is crucial for protecting public health.
She warned that without such actions, there will soon be no breathable air left in the city. The government will work to ensure that pollution is reduced without causing public inconvenience.
She further mentioned that a campaign to control noise pollution will begin in December. The relevant laws will be amended to empower the police to impose fines, which will be deposited in banks. This measure is expected to discourage excessive use of horns. In response to another question, she also highlighted that efforts will be made to address lead pollution.
During the same meeting, road transport adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan stated that the government will soon implement an effective plan to remove old vehicles. This initiative will help reduce both traffic congestion and pollution in the city, while ensuring minimal public disruption. The government’s efforts will progressively bring pollution under control.
