HC orders implementation of 9-point directives to curb Dhaka’s air pollution
The High Court has directed that a report be submitted within two weeks stating what steps have been taken to implement the nine-point directives previously issued to curb air pollution in Dhaka. The respondents concerned have been asked to submit the report to the court in the form of an affidavit.
A High Court bench of Justice J B M Hassan and Justice Aziz Ahmed Bhuiyan gave the oral order yesterday after hearing. The court also fixed a date two weeks from now for the next hearing of the matter.
In 2020, the court issued nine-point directives to the respondents concerned on a writ filed in the public interest by Human Rights and Peace for Bangladesh (HRPB) to stop air pollution in Dhaka. The directives include sprinkling water at various places in the city, covering sand-carrying trucks, fencing off areas under construction, bagging waste from various markets and removing it at fixed times, and shutting down illegal brick kilns in the areas around Dhaka.
Earlier, on an application filed on behalf of HRPB, the court had directed that a report be submitted on the steps taken under the nine-point directives. The deputy commissioners of five districts had also been summoned to court for failing to implement the directives.
Yesterday, following up on that order, the case came up in the court’s cause list for orders. During the hearing, senior advocate Manzill Murshed, appearing for HRPB, said air pollution in Dhaka is currently rising because of the change of seasons, yet no effective steps are being taken in line with the court’s earlier directives. As a result, air pollution is increasing and citizens’ health is under threat, he said.
The court then directed the respondents concerned to submit, within the next two weeks, a report in the form of an affidavit on the steps taken to implement the earlier nine-point directives.
Advocate Md. Sarwar Ahad Chowdhury and Advocate Ripon Barai were the petitioners’ counsel for HRPB in the writ. The respondents include the environment secretary, the mayors of Dhaka North and South city corporations, the director general of the Fire Service and the director general of the Department of Environment, among others.
Senior advocate Manzill Murshed argued in favour of the application. He was assisted by Advocate Sanjoy Mondal.
