Dhaka, Apr 05 (V7N) – The government will soon form a special committee to improve the air quality of Dhaka, announced Environment Advisor Syeda Rizwana Hasan during a visit to the Matuail garbage dump of Dhaka South City Corporation on Saturday (April 5) morning.

Addressing the media on-site, the Environment Advisor emphasized the urgent need for sustainable measures to protect the health and livelihood of people living around the Matuail sanitary landfill, one of the largest waste disposal sites in the capital.

“Garbage must not be burned under any circumstances,” she said. “We will take immediate action to ensure that people's health and the environment are protected.”

During her visit, Syeda Rizwana Hasan strictly prohibited the burning of batteries and the extraction of lead in the landfill area, calling it hazardous to both the environment and public health. She also ordered the closure of two nearby steel mills for their alleged involvement in activities contributing to environmental degradation.

Local residents voiced strong concerns over the toxic smoke and foul odor caused by the landfill operations. They demanded the immediate relocation of the Matuail sanitary landfill and called for quick and effective steps to stop the burning of garbage, which they say is endangering public health.

“Our children are falling sick, and we can’t even breathe properly at night,” said one local resident. “We want this dump removed without delay.”

According to the International Air Quality Technology Institute (IQAir), Dhaka consistently ranks among the top cities in global air pollution indices. The city has frequently appeared on the list of most polluted cities in the world, largely due to uncontrolled construction, industrial emissions, and poor waste management practices.

The Environment Advisor acknowledged the severity of the crisis and said the government is committed to addressing it through policy, regulation, and enforcement.

“We may not be able to move the dump from Matuail right away, but we can and will minimize its environmental impact,” she assured.

The upcoming government-formed committee will be tasked with developing a comprehensive action plan for improving air quality, regulating waste management, and preventing health hazards for city dwellers.

END/MSS/AJ