Government launches citizen reporting scheme to curb waste burning, offering rewards while experts warn Dhaka’s PM2.5 pollution remains dangerously high, threatening public health, especially children, during the winter months ahead nationwide.
To address the growing issue of air pollution caused by indiscriminate waste burning, the government has launched a citizen-driven initiative. People are being urged to report incidents of waste burning by sending photographs and details, with the top ten submissions each month set to receive rewards.
The announcement was made in a press release signed by Deepankar Bar, Public Relations Officer of the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change. The release noted that emissions from vehicles, brick kilns, factories and open waste burning are worsening air quality and increasing the risk of respiratory and other health problems.
Citizens have been requested to send images to [email protected] along with their name, mobile number, exact location, area address and the date and time of the incident. Besides rewards, participation will help communities contribute to cleaner air and protect children’s health.
Local resident Asif Ahmed Udoy from Mirpur said, “We see smoke and dust every day. If reporting this can make our air safer for our children, I will definitely participate.”
Dhaka Remains Among the Most Polluted Cities, Experts Warn
Even before winter, Dhaka remains one of the most polluted cities, largely due to fine particulate matter known as PM2.5. Levels in the capital are nearly 20 times higher than the World Health Organization’s recommended limit. Areas such as Meradia, Abdullahpur, Uttara Metro Station and Bachilas often appear like seas of dust, reflecting the scale of the problem.
Experts say leniency by the Department of Environment has encouraged polluters. Professor Dr Ahmad Kamruzzaman Majumdar, Chairman of the Centre for Air Pollution Studies (CAPS), criticised national standards that allow PM2.5 levels of up to 35 micrograms, while the WHO has recently lowered the safe limit to 5 micrograms. “The government assumes people can withstand extreme pollution, which is dangerous,” he said.
Ziaul Haque, Additional Director General of the Department of Environment, explained that 35 micrograms is an interim target. Current average PM2.5 levels in Dhaka range between 80 and 90 micrograms. “Bringing it down to 35 would be a major achievement,” he said.
Health experts are urging greater public awareness. Dr Ayesha Akter, Deputy Director of the 250-bed TB Hospital, warned, “These tiny particles enter the lungs, causing damage and increasing the risk of asthma and allergies. Everyone must be careful, especially in winter.”
According to CAPS data, this year has recorded the highest air pollution levels in the last nine years. Despite government efforts, air quality remains critical, highlighting the importance of citizen participation in reporting pollution sources.
