We are sorry for air pollution, it will reduce only if it rains: Environment Minister

Minister of Environment, Forests and Climate Change Shahab Uddin said these things in response to journalists' questions at the end of a seminar organized by the Department of Geography and Environment of Dhaka University on Sunday (January 29). The Environment Minister said, 'We are sorry that Dhaka's air quality is very polluted. Not only Dhaka but all the cities around Dhaka and the neighboring countries of India, Pakistan and China get polluted during winter.

Shahab Uddin also said, 'We are trying to reduce air pollution. Brick kilns are a major source of air pollution. We plan to phase out the brick kilns. Attempts are being made to stop the use of burnt bricks in government works by 2025. Illegal brick kilns will be closed. 

He said, 'Other causes of air pollution are black smoke from cars, smoke from development works, smoke from factories and also polluted air from other countries is polluting our air. We are trying. I am sending regular letters to those who are working on the roads. They also sprinkle some water. But more spraying will reduce the pollution. We are seeing a chance of rain. When it rains, the pollution will decrease.'

When asked by reporters whether the government is showing failure to control pollution instead of development, the environment minister said, 'There will be some air pollution wherever there is development. And black smoke is polluting the air. We are carrying out enforcement activities. I am also seeking help from the Ministry of Road Transport. Besides, the government is also trying to start a pollution-free transport system.

When the environment minister himself expressed his grief, when asked who people would trust, he said, 'There is no denying what is real. Moreover, we are not alone at the top. Next to us, Delhi in India, Shanghai in China are often at the top in pollution. We are trying to resolve as much as possible.'