Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan on Wednesday said a "zero soil" initiative is being implemented to reduce air pollution caused by dust in the capital.
The city corporations, the Forest Department, and citizens must work together to implement this initiative, Rizwana said at the inaugural ceremony of a tree plantation program, jointly organised by the Forest Department and the Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC), on the Harar Bari premises in Purbachal New Town.
Rizwana said open soil around houses should be covered with grass and trees should be planted on rooftops. "Plant as many trees as you can and ensure 'zero soil' wherever there is open space."
Under the tree plantation program, saplings are being planted along road medians, footpaths, canals, waterbody banks, and other areas suitable for greening.
Rizwana stated: "We aim to set an example in the DNCC area by September. Everyone must understand the importance of greening and practice it in real life. We should not destroy natural ecosystems. A forest ecosystem cannot be artificially created; it must be nurtured and grown."
She stressed the need for integrating housing with forest-based environments and called upon all concerned to begin coordinated implementation of planned activities.
According to DNCC sources, the city corporation is currently working to green 120km of medians and 108km of canal banks.
In addition, joint afforestation programs have been undertaken in Rajuk's Uttara Residential Sector and Purbachal.
Local communities and volunteer organisations have also been engaged in this effort.
Following the ceremony, Rizwana inaugurated the "zero soil" program by planting grass on the roadside next to the Banani graveyard.
