Rangamati, Nov 18 (V7N)- Rangamati, the largest hilly district in Bangladesh, known for its pristine natural beauty, is being considered for recognition as a "Clean Air City." This proposal, initiated during a law and order meeting at the Rangamati District Administration office on Monday, has garnered significant support from local officials and stakeholders.

Surrounded by the serene Kaptai Lake, lush green hills, dense forests, and pollution-free air, Rangamati is a haven for those seeking the tranquility of nature. Locals have long cherished the district's pollution-free environment, prompting a proposal from Executive Engineer Sabuj Chakma of the Roads and Highways Department to declare Rangamati a "Clean Air City."

Chakma presented data from the Air Quality Index (AQI) , highlighting that Rangamati consistently records good air quality, with AQI levels between 0 and 50 for most of the year. He emphasized that such a declaration would not only preserve Rangamati’s clean environment but also promote the area as a model for environmental sustainability, boosting its national and international reputation.

Deputy Commissioner Md. Mosharraf Hossain Khan , who chaired the meeting, welcomed the proposal and stated:
 "We will consult with relevant authorities and conduct experiments and surveys to evaluate the feasibility of this initiative."

Other attendees, including Civil Surgeon Dr. Nuyen Khisa , Additional Deputy Commissioner Zobaida Akhtar , and Additional Superintendent of Police Md. Saiful Islam , expressed their appreciation for the initiative.

The law and order meeting also addressed various other issues, including:
- District Safety: Combating terrorism, vandalism, and drug abuse.
- Social Challenges: Addressing child marriage, sexual harassment, and polythene use.
- Health Services: Enhancing healthcare accessibility across the district.

Rangamati already has a global reputation for environmental research. In 1989, the Norwegian government built the Japlin Observatory atop Japlin Mountain, at an altitude of 472 meters. The observatory monitors climate change, greenhouse gas levels, and global pollution trends.

If Rangamati is officially declared a "Clean Air City," it will not only emphasize the importance of preserving its natural beauty but also inspire other regions to adopt sustainable environmental practices. The decision, once finalized, could mark Rangamati as a leading example of ecological conservation in Bangladesh.

END/AM/AJ