The Department of Environment (DoE) has carried out mobile-court drives across the country against banned polythene, noise pollution, excessive black smoke from vehicles and illegal lead or battery factories.
Five drives in Narayanganj, Bandarban, Jashore, Sunamganj and Dhaka’s Mohammadpur and Dhaka Udyan areas led to six cases, Tk 25,500 in fines, seven days’ simple imprisonment for a polythene trader and the seizure of 1,452kg of polythene, says a press release.
Awareness messages were delivered and leaflets distributed among supermarkets, shop owners and members of the public.
In line with the Noise Pollution (Control) Rules 2006, three drives in Manikganj, Meherpur and Naogaon resulted in 13 cases, fines of Tk 18,000 and the seizure of 13 hydraulic horns. Several vehicle drivers were also warned.
A drive in Dhaka’s Ramna area against excessive black smoke emissions from vehicles led to seven cases, Tk 20,000 in fines and warnings to several transport drivers.
Meanwhile, in South Keraniganj, a drive against illegal lead and battery factories resulted in two cases, fines of Tk 70,000 and the disconnection of utility services to two factories.
The DoE said such anti-pollution operations will continue nationwide.