The Department of Environment (DoE) on Tuesday launched the National Air Quality Management Action Plan to improve air quality and enforcement mechanisms.
The government under the plan will adopt fiscal instruments targeting major sources of air pollution, including carbon tax, emission tax for vehicles, tax breaks for electric vehicles and green technology, tax credits for small businesses to improve indoor air quality in their facilities, and repurposing of harmful subsidies and emission charges, as well as promote access to clean cooking.
The plan has been taken as the country grapples with one of the worst air qualities in the world. In many parts of Bangladesh, the annual average levels of PM2.5 exceed the World Health Organisation (WHO) AQG by a factor of 10 or more. In 2019, it caused 159,000 premature deaths and 2.5 billion days lived with illness in the country, according to the World Bank.
Addressing a programme as the chief guest, Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan inaugurated the plan at the DoE building in the capital. She said the plan would provide a roadmap for implementing stringent regulations and promoting cleaner technologies in industries, transportation, and urban development.
"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 plan," she added.
The event was attended by World Bank representatives, high-level officials of various ministries, environmental organisations, academics, and media representatives.
Discussions focused on the importance of integrating air quality management into national policies, adopting advanced monitoring technologies, and increasing public awareness about the health impacts of pollution.
New studies based on the Greenhouse Gas and Air Pollution Interactions and Synergies (GAINS) model indicate the major contributors to air pollution in the Greater Dhaka area are households (28 per cent), followed by power plants (24 per cent), brick kilns (13 per cent), and open burning of municipal solid waste (11 per cent).
Road dust accounts for about 8 per cent, and exhaust emissions from road transports (heavy-duty diesel vehicles) 4 per cent, according to the DoE.
Air pollution in Bangladesh varies by season. During the dry months (November to March), the concentrations of PM2.5 across Bangladesh are two to three times higher than the annual means, while they are lower during the wet months (May to October).
The environment adviser at another event inaugurated a new piece of software titled "Transformation of the Environmental Clearance Certificate Process" to automate the process through an online platform.
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 Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA), Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC), Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA), and Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park Authority (BHTPA).
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