Waste must not be burned at landfills under any circumstances, said Environment and Forests Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan.
She made the remarks on Saturday while speaking to journalists during a visit to the sanitary landfill site in Matuail, Dhaka, where she assessed the air pollution situation in the area.
The adviser said that initiatives would be taken to improve the living conditions and ensure the health and safety of people residing near the Matuail sanitary landfill.
She added that while it is not currently possible to entirely relocate the landfill from Matuail, steps will be taken to shut down two nearby steel mills to help improve the situation.
Rizwana Hasan said: “Burning waste at the landfill is strictly prohibited. Additionally, burning batteries or separating lead from them on-site will not be allowed.”
She also mentioned that a government committee will soon be formed to work on improving air quality in the capital, Dhaka.
It is worth noting that local residents have long been demanding the swift relocation of the Matuail sanitary landfill to protect themselves from severe air pollution.
They have also been calling for urgent action to stop the burning of waste at the site in the interest of public health.
