Highlighting the interim government’s success in environmental protection over the last six months, adviser for environment, forest, and climate change, Syeda Rizwana Hasan, said the interim government is working sincerely to protect the environment and biodiversity.
Rizwana Hasan said that more than 2,000 acres of forest land have been recovered, which will be utilized for various public projects.
Regular campaigns are being conducted to free illegally encroached forest land in different parts of the country, including Gazipur and Tangail, she said.
An action plan is being developed for forest-dependent communities in Madhupur Shalban, she added, noting that the government has identified the expectations of the people over the past six months.
She said: "Now, the task is to work on macro issues instead of micro issues."
Regarding the activities and future plans of the environment ministry, Rizwana Hasan said various action plans have been implemented to curb air pollution.
"It is not possible to prevent air pollution simply by sprinkling water on the roads," she added.
"We have also started working on dust control in the public interest to protect the environment," she said.
She further mentioned that the North City Corporation and the South City Corporation have already conducted a survey to identify dilapidated city roads and open spaces.
The relevant ministries will plant trees in open spaces and take steps to repair the damaged roads by October next year, she added.
The adviser also said that the government has a plan to involve local communities in planting trees along road dividers and roadsides to protect the environment and control air pollution.
Noting that it is not possible to close all brick kilns across the country, she said action will be taken against illegal brick kilns and excessive emissions.
She added that the government has largely succeeded in stopping the use of polythene shopping bags in major malls and shopping centers.
Awareness campaigns and enforcement of laws against the production, transportation, and use of polythene shopping bags are ongoing, she said.
On the issue of Saint Martin's Island, she said that although many decisions had been made at different times regarding the island, they had not been implemented.
However, this time, the government has successfully executed its plans despite many challenges.
She emphasized that the government is working relentlessly to protect the country's lone coral island, Saint Martin, along with its biodiversity.
Rizwana Hasan, who is also the adviser for water resources, stated that the government is working to restore the Buriganga River to its former state.
"There is an additional challenge for us regarding the Buriganga. There are many heavy metals in its water, and a huge amount of polythene at its bottom. It will take time to remove all these pollutants and restore the river to its previous state," she explained.
She highlighted that there is currently no waste management system for the Buriganga River, and therefore, the government has taken various initiatives to remove the garbage accumulated at its bottom.
Mentioning that GPS technology has been used to identify pollution points in rivers and canals, Rizwana Hasan said: "We will start working with the concerned parties to address industrial pollution."
She added that the government has already launched initiatives to protect and restore Dhaka's canals under a detailed action plan.
"We have gathered plans from the deputy commissioners of all districts to rescue encroached and polluted rivers across the country," she said, adding that the government will prioritize this issue.
The adviser also mentioned that initiatives have been taken to solve the long-standing water-logging problem in Bhabadah, Jessore.
A long-term plan will be developed to resolve this issue, she concluded.