Spray water to end air pollution in Dhaka: High Court

The High Court on Thursday asked the authorities concerned to take steps for speedy implementation of an additional three-point directive to put an end to air pollution in Dhaka and its adjacent areas.

The authorities have also been directed to submit progress reports within the next 30 days.

According to one of the new directives, the fire service authorities must take immediate steps to spray water using vehicles at various entrances of Dhaka including Gabtoli, Purbachal, Keraniganj, Jatrabari, and Tongi.  

Another directive wanted the managing director of Dhaka Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (Wasa) to take appropriate measures to supply water for the spray.  

The third directive said bot the Dhaka North and Dhaka South city corporations will spray water in a way where water will be sprinkled from above the small trees on road islands.

The virtual bench of Justice Md Ashfaqul Islam and Justice Mohammad Ali passed the order after hearing a progress report on the implementation of its previously issued nine-point directive on bringing down air pollution level in Dhaka and surrounding areas.

The High Court issued the nine-point directive on 13 January 2020 after hearing a writ petition filed by the Human Rights and Peace for Bangladesh (HRPB).

Later, on 24 November, the court ordered the authorities concerned to take steps for speedy implementation of the directives and to submit reports within 30 days.

At the latest hearing, advocate Manzill Murshid, who stood for the writ petitioner, said the nine-point directive was to cover the goods in trucks and other vehicles transporting soil, sand, and waste in Dhaka city and covering soil, sand, cement, stone, and construction material in under-construction sites.

"Air pollution began to decline in February last year when steps were taken to implement these orders. But the pollution increased again when these activities were halted during the Covid-19 pandemic. For this, another application was filed with the High Court," he added.