The government has declared Savar upazila a ‘degraded air shed’ due to dangerously high pollution levels, imposing immediate bans on brick kilns, waste burning, and new polluting industries.
Department of Environment (DoE) issued the order on Saturday under the Air Pollution (Control) Rules, 2022, following data showing Savar’s air pollution is nearly three times above national safety limits, reports BSS.
From September, all traditional brick kilns—except cleaner Tunnel Kilns and Hybrid Hoffman Kilns—must shut down. Open waste burning and new industrial clearances for pollution-prone factories are also banned.
DoE monitors found the area’s air laden with hazardous particles, especially in dry seasons when winds blow toxic smog into Dhaka. Experts say this worsens respiratory diseases and reduces life expectancy.
Officials hope the crackdown will cut pollution in Savar and Dhaka, where millions suffer from chronic air toxicity. “This is a necessary step to protect public health,” said Director General of DoE.