HC rules for preventing air pollution in Dhaka

The High Court (HC) has issued a rule asking authorities concerned to explain as to why it shall not issue order to take action to prevent air pollution in the capital.

A High Court division bench of Justice Kazi Zinat Hoque and Justice Aynun Nahar Siddiqua passed the order on Sunday after holding hearing on a writ petition filed in this regard.

Advocate Md Monir Uddin filed the petition and subsequently moved the plea before the court.

The court asked environment secretary, director general of Department of Environment, chief executive officers of Dhaka North and South City Corporations to respond within four weeks.

The applicant recently sent a notice to the director general of Department of Environment, saying the Dhaka Air Quality Index (AQI) on December 14, 2024, was worse in last nine years with the score of 288, which is considered to be very unhealthy. The pleader had urged to take appropriate action to tackle the situation.

As the notice went unheard, the applicant later filed the writ with the High Court.