Waste burning is strictly prohibited: Rizwana

Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan has emphasized the importance of waste not being burned in Dhaka, including the Matuail Sanitary Landfill. 

She stated that various initiatives will be taken to ensure the safety and wellbeing of people living in and around landfill areas. 

Although immediate relocation of the landfill from Matuail is not possible, two nearby steel mills will be instructed to shut down, she said. 

Rizwana also said burning batteries or extracting lead from them will not be allowed. 

The Department of Environment has already taken action against some battery factories, and further steps will be taken if new complaints arise, she went on saying. 

The adviser also called for coordinated efforts among city corporations, the Department of Environment, and other relevant agencies to tackle air pollution in Dhaka. 

She stressed the importance of public awareness alongside government initiatives and warned that violators of environmental rules will face penalties. 

She visited several air pollution-prone areas and spoke to local residents, who shared their health problems, including respiratory issues, caused by pollution.