Rizwana wants independent study on pollution from coal-fired plants
It provides a roadmap for implementing stringent regulations and promoting cleaner technologies in industries, transportation, and urban development, she says
Syeda Rizwana Hasan, advisor to the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change and the Ministry of Water Resources, has instructed the Department of Environment to conduct an independent study on pollution levels from coal-fired power plants, including those in Rampal and Matarbari.
Rizwana made an announcement about this during the inauguration of the "National Air Quality Management Plan' at the Department of Environment (DoE) in Agargaon today (5 November).
"I have already informed the director general of the Department of Environment about this study. The department must take charge of it. The primary responsibility of protecting citizens from air pollution lies with the Department of Environment, not the World Bank," Rizwana said.
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She hopes the findings will be publicly accessible after completing the study.
Addressing various pollution sources, Rizwana said, "Cooking using cow dung in rural areas produces significant pollution, leading to premature deaths among women in Bangladesh. Coal-fired power plants, diesel generators, brick kilns, cement factories, iron and steel mills, vehicles, and medical waste also contribute. While some issues lack immediate solutions, we can act promptly on construction dust, road dust, bricks, and cement pollution."
The adviser noted that no new brick kilns are currently being approved and added, "A committee has been formed to monitor compliance in zigzag brick kilns. However, it is concerning that 36 brick kilns in close proximity have permits in Noakhali's Ramgati. The Department of Environment must explain why no action was taken earlier."
Rizwana highlighted concerns over past projects' transparency, stating, "We want to ensure accountability in projects related to air pollution. Future projects will include a committee of Bangladeshi experts to guide the Department of Environment and related agencies on prioritisation, implementation, and monitoring. The allocation of funds and expenditures in each sector will also be clearly documented."
The adviser formally launched the National Air Quality Management Action Plan, which outlines strategic actions for addressing air pollution sources, enhancing air quality monitoring, and strengthening enforcement mechanisms.
The plan serves as a roadmap for enforcing regulations and promoting cleaner technologies across industries, transportation, and urban development.
The environment secretary, additional secretary, the director general of the Department of Environment, a World Bank representative, and other officials were present at the event.
Later, at a separate event, Rizwana inaugurated new software aimed at digitising the Environmental Clearance Certificate process. This online platform will streamline the issuance and renewal of environmental clearances, marking what she termed a "smart transformation" in the Department's procedures.
