Rizwana launches action plan to tackle air pollution
DailySun || Shining BD
Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Advisor to the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, said the government has developed the National Air Quality Management Action Plan, for strategic actions to tackle the sources of air pollution, improve air monitoring, and enhance enforcement mechanisms.
She said, “This action plan will provide a roadmap for implementing stringent regulations and promoting cleaner technologies in industries, transportation, and urban development.”
The Environment Advisor said this during her speech as the Chief Guest at the launch of the National Air Quality Management Action Plan at the Department of Environment in Dhaka.
She said, “This action plan is a part of Bangladesh’s broader strategy to achieve sustainable environmental targets, with a focus on reducing the alarming levels of pollution that affect both rural and urban areas. By prioritising cleaner air, the government reaffirms its commitment to environmental protection and the well-being of future generations. “
“Government agencies, development partners, civil society, and the private sector must work together to ensure effective execution of the National Air Quality Management Action Plan,” Rizwana added.
The event was attended by Environment Secretary, Additional Secretary, Director General of the Department of Environment, World Bank Representative, high-level officials from various ministries, environmental organisations, academia, and media representatives.
At another event at the Department of Environment on Tuesday, Advisor Rizwana Hasan inaugurated a new software titled “Transformation of the Environmental Clearance Certificate Process” to automate the environmental clearance process through an online platform.
In her remarks, the advisor stated that with the introduction of this new software, the Department of Environment is bringing a smart transformation to the clearance process, making it simpler for issuance and renewal.
She said, “The platform would enable online application submission, document uploading, and clearance receipt. Entrepreneurs will also be able to track their application progress online. Paying processing fees, clearance/renewal fees and VAT online will be more convenient.”
This initiative will ensure seamless services in coordination with BEZA, BIDA, BSCIC, BEPZA and BHTPA. It will simplify identification of fake documents, data validation, and verification of clearance accuracy, while reducing time, cost, and office visits. The use of hard copies will be significantly minimised, and monitoring will become easier.
Overall, this system will ensure transparency and accountability, reduce hassle for entrepreneurs, and enhance data security.
Shining BD