Jan 24 (V7N) - The Department of Environment (DoE), under the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, conducted extensive mobile court drives on Tuesday across Dhaka and other regions to curb polluting activities. These efforts resulted in over Tk 24 lakh in fines, the closure of nine brick kilns, and warnings issued to several establishments. In districts like Rangpur, Nilphamari, Mymensingh, Manikganj, and Kurigram, five courts filed 13 cases, levied fines of Tk 22.7 lakh, and shut down seven brickfields while destroying raw bricks at two kilns.

In Dhaka, mobile courts operated in areas such as Mugda, Dhanmondi, Shah Ali, and Jatrabari under the Air Pollution Control Rules-2022. They filed eight cases, fined violators Tk 92,000, and issued warnings to five establishments for non-compliance with pollution regulations. Additionally, six vehicles in Jatrabari were fined Tk 30,000 for emitting excessive carbon monoxide. In Faridpur, two cases were filed, and 82 kg of polythene was seized, with fines totaling Tk 1,500.

The ministry's proactive stance highlights the critical need to address environmental pollution. The DoE has issued strong advisories following a deterioration in Dhaka's Air Quality Index (AQI), which reached "very unhealthy" levels, surpassing 250. Residents, particularly vulnerable groups like children, the elderly, and individuals with health conditions, have been urged to wear face masks outdoors and limit outdoor activities to minimize exposure to hazardous air pollutants.

The DoE continues to monitor air quality fluctuations, which often range from "unhealthy" to "hazardous" during the dry season. The ministry remains committed to implementing measures to combat air and environmental pollution while raising public awareness about the health risks associated with poor air quality.

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