[🇧🇩] Save the Rivers/Forests/Hills-----Save the Environment

[Saif]

A canal or trash bin?

A sea of non-biodegradable plastic waste has engulfed Jamal Khan canal in Chattogram, threatening the port city with severe waterlogging during monsoon.

www.thedailystar.net

A canal or trash bin?
Jamal Khan canal choking on plastic

A sea of non-biodegradable plastic waste has engulfed Jamal Khan canal in Chattogram, threatening the port city with severe waterlogging during monsoon.

Despite a government ban on polythene bags dating back to 2002, the canal serves as a grim reminder of lax enforcement and the pervasive use of single-use plastics.

During a recent visit, the canal appeared more like a landfill, clogged with plastic waste primarily discarded by nearby residents.

Locals alleged that tenants of buildings along the canal toss household waste, including polythene bags, directly out their windows.

Others reportedly choose the canal as their dumping ground to avoid going to dustbins.

Utpal Barua, a resident of Jamal Khan area, said, "The government banned polythene bags in kitchen markets from November 1, but where is the action? People still bring home vegetables and fish in these bags, then dump the waste into the canal."

According to a 2022 study by the Civil Engineering Department of Chattogram University of Engineering and Technology (Cuet) produces 3,000 tonnes of waste daily, of which 249 tonnes (8.3 percent) are plastic and polythene.

Alarmingly, 140 tonnes of this waste go uncollected, ending up in canals and drains, choking the city's drainage systems.

Prof Swapan Kumar Palit of CUET Civil Engineering Department highlighted the lack of adherence to the "Mandatory Jute Packaging Act, 2010" and "Mandatory Jute Packaging Rules-2013," which require jute-based packaging for a range of essential goods.

"Despite these regulations, we see no implementation in the market," he said.

"Around 90 percent of carry-bags used in grocery shops and kitchen markets are still plastic and polythene."

Pranab Kumar Sharma, deputy conservation officer of Chattogram City Corporation, said, "We're removing waste from the canal, but resource limitations prevent us from addressing all canals simultaneously."

Experts emphasise that banning polythene bags isn't enough without viable alternatives.

Prof Sekandar Khan of Bangladesh Paribesh Andolan said, "Polythene use will decline naturally when affordable alternatives become widely available. The government must provide incentives to support alternative packaging industries."

Meanwhile, kitchen markets near the canal continue to flout the ban.

Vendors, however, argue they have no choice.

"Customers demand polythene bags. If they don't bring their own, how can we pack their purchases?" asked Md Ismail, a vendor.​

 

[Saif]

Can we ever curb the menace of throwaway plastics?

Tackling widespread pollution needs stringent action

www.thedailystar.net

Can we ever curb the menace of throwaway plastics?
Tackling widespread pollution needs stringent action

VISUAL: STAR

It is deeply concerning that despite growing awareness of the dangers posed by single-use plastics, their use remains extremely high in Bangladesh. A recent study by the Environment and Social Development Organization (ESDO) has found that the country consumes between 3.15 and 3.84 billion single-use plastic bottles annually, with a mere 21.4 percent being recycled. Both urban and rural areas are heavily dependent on plastic bottles, though in different ways. While urban areas see high consumption of water bottles, rural areas are increasingly witnessing the menace of soft drink bottles.

When this plastic waste is dumped into rivers, the consequences are disastrous. Rivers such as the Buriganga, Karnaphuli, and Meghna are already choking on plastic, rendering their waters toxic for aquatic life. As another study earlier last year revealed, at least 17 fish species and three shellfish species in three key rivers flowing through the Sundarbans are contaminated with microplastics. The health risks of such pollution for humans and ecosystems are immense.

Over the decades, successive governments have made plans to curb the use of throwaway plastics but these efforts faltered due to poor implementation. For example, although polythene bags were officially banned in 2002, they remain widely used. In January 2020, the High Court ordered a ban on single-use plastic products in coastal districts, which was supposed to take effect in 2021. Sadly, about four years later, there is still no visible progress in its implementation.

After the interim government assumed office in August, the cabinet division, at the environment adviser's request, instructed government offices to replace single-use plastics with eco-friendly alternatives. The environment ministry also banned polythene bags, initially targeting superstores before expanding the ban nationwide. However, these measures have yielded little impact largely due to inadequate enforcement and the absence of viable alternatives. Moreover, after the recent order to stop using single-use plastics, domestic plastic manufacturers have reportedly lobbied for a delay in implementing the ban until 2030, citing potential disruptions to businesses and consumers.

Clearly, issuing directives without ensuring readiness among all stakeholders will not suffice. To effectively combat plastic pollution, the government must adopt a comprehensive, well-coordinated plan developed in consultation with key stakeholders including businesses and the general public. Solutions should focus on promoting eco-friendly alternatives, supporting waste management systems, and strictly enforcing anti-plastic policies. The urgency for robust action cannot be overstated considering the level that plastic pollution has reached across the country.​

 

[Saif]

Ignoring biodiversity conservation will cost us

Climate change is severely affecting natural resources, including forests, wetlands, floodplains, hill ecosystems, and biodiversity.

www.thedailystar.net

Ignoring biodiversity conservation will cost us

The evergreen hill forest in the Teknaf Peninsula, where the sea meets the land and people. SOURCE: BCAS

Climate change is severely affecting natural resources, including forests, wetlands, floodplains, hill ecosystems, and biodiversity. Concerns about the loss of biodiversity and the degradation of ecosystems have been expressed in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reports and in the recent United Nations Conferences of the Parties (COPs). Uncontrolled human activities, trade and business, and climate change are affecting various ecosystems, their species composition, compactness, productivity, and ecosystem health, which in turn are undermining the livelihoods and well-being of millions of marginalised people and indigenous communities living in and around these ecosystems.

Climate change is causing sea-level rise, increased climate variability, temperature rise and heat stress, changes in seasons, and more frequent or intense droughts, wildfires, cyclones, heavy rain-induced floods, and landslides. These impacts are leading to increasingly severe social, economic, and ecological consequences. A recent report from the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research on "10 Insights in Climate Science" has cautioned that climate change and extreme events are affecting all ecosystems, which is also happening in Bangladesh. The National Adaptation Plan, published in October 2022, has identified 12 climate hotspots in the country with several climate stresses affecting both people and ecosystems.

A 2022 UN report states that forests cover approximately 31 percent of the Earth's surface. They are home to 80 percent of the terrestrial species of plants, animals, and insects. However, many wildlife species are extinct, and 22 percent of animal species are at high risk of extinction. Around 12 million hectares of forest land are lost every year due to heat stress, drought, and deforestation. The current high rate of deforestation, caused by human activities and climate change, poses serious threats to forests, biodiversity, and ecosystem health, on which the livelihoods of millions depend directly and indirectly. Additionally, human dependency on forests and ecosystems means that forests, along with natural vegetation, are a major sink of carbon, absorbing over 30 percent of anthropogenic CO2. Forests and wetlands are also a major source of carbon emissions. Deforestation and the degradation of wetlands are causing rapid changes in both local and global climates.

Climate change is causing frequent and severe forest fires that further degrade forest resources and threaten wildlife and biodiversity. The key challenges are fighting deforestation and stopping the degradation of ecosystems through regeneration, conservation, and the protection of ecosystems, wildlife, and biodiversity. One of the approaches to ecosystem regeneration is Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) with socio-ecological responses, which essentially meets the twin goals of ecological regeneration and enhancing social resilience to climate change.

The EbA approach is nested within Nature-based Solutions (NbS) for climate risk reduction, social protection, and resilient livelihoods by harnessing and enhancing ecosystem services from healthy ecosystems through conservation, protection, and regeneration of natural resources and ecosystems. Healthy ecosystems provide important ecosystem services that contribute to climate change adaptation. EbA focuses on the benefits that humans derive from biodiversity and ecosystem services to manage the risks related to climate change impacts.

The early examples of EbA include integrated landscape-level forest and wetland management; restoration and conservation of forest, hill, and wetland ecosystems; better management of forest protected areas with communities (SUFAL in Bangladesh); agroforestry and conservation agriculture; climate-smart agriculture; and nature-positive, climate-resilient livelihoods. The EbA projects are generating significant social and ecological co-benefits, such as food and water security, resilient water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) and health risk management, livelihood protection, disaster risk reduction (DRR), social protection, and gender equity. It is strongly felt that the planning and implementation of EbA and NbS through a locally-led approach may address many local and community needs, priorities, and sustainable development goals by reducing current and future risks of climate change, as well as enhancing resilience in both society and ecosystems.

The recent COPs under the UNFCCC have placed much importance on planning and implementing EbA with communities and actors, including ecosystem managers, local governments, and community organisations. EbA interventions should be planned and implemented with the active participation of vulnerable communities and actors, following the Locally Led Adaptation (LLA) principles. Thus, the implementation of EbA in the degraded ecosystems of Bangladesh will certainly contribute to achieving the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement, the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Dr Dwijen L Mallick is fellow at Bangladesh Centre for Advanced Studies (BCAS).​

 

[Sergiolar]

содержание территорий зеленых насаждений и объектов зеленых насаждений - комплекс профилактических работ по уходу за зелеными насаждениями, а также элементами благоустройства, расположенными в границах территорий зеленых насаждений, и объектов зеленых насаждений, в результате выполнения которых обеспечивается сохранность, долговечность и безопасность функционирования территорий зеленых насаждений и объектов зеленых насаждений, включающий в том числе обеспечение их чистоты (уборку) и нормативного состояния, защиту зеленых насаждений от вредителей и болезней, устранение незначительных деформаций и повреждений зеленых насаждений, элементов благоустройства, и осуществляемый в течение всего периода эксплуатации объектов зеленых насаждений и элементов благоустройства в соответствии с классификатором работ по содержанию территорий и объектов зеленых насаждений; (Абзац в редакции, введенной в действие с 15 июля 2016 года Законом Санкт-Петербурга от 30 июня 2016 года N 457-82 Главная
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территории зеленых насаждений - территории, занятые зелеными насаждениями и (или) предназначенные для озеленения; (Абзац в редакции, введенной в действие с 1 января 2024 года Законом Санкт-Петербурга от 29 июня 2023 года N 425-84 Утилизация
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[Saif]

How can Bangladesh improve its waste management?

Bangladesh has been facing severe problems in waste management for decades.

www.thedailystar.net

How can Bangladesh improve its waste management?

VISUAL : REHNUMA PROSHOON

Sufia is a middle-aged woman working for ZeroWaste Tech, a startup in Dhaka. Every morning, she wears her safety jacket, gloves, boots, and helmet with the powered air-purifying respirator. After checking her smartphone in her allocated region, where the garbage is full and needs to be managed, she goes out with her other mates, collects garbage, and puts it in their targeted dump site near the city. The dump site has also classified areas such as plastics, biowaste, glass, e-waste, etc. Her team then divides the waste accordingly and puts them in each place. Then, the waste is processed further to minimise carbon emissions and can be converted into renewable energy.

This scenario, with the character and the startup, is imaginary, but it can be a reality.

Bangladesh has been facing severe problems in waste management for decades. Several initiatives have been taken, but they have not been effective due to their irregular implementation. The above-mentioned scenario can be made real especially in Dhaka, the most overpopulated city in Bangladesh, where garbage and waste can be seen everywhere, from main roads to narrow alleyways. In the rainy season, the problem intensifies tremendously because of poor drainage systems.

According to projections, the country's daily waste generation rate is expected to reach 0.80 kg per capita per day by 2030 and 1.19 kg per capita by 2041. So effective measures should be taken right now.

Electronic gadget usage is rising around the world, and Bangladesh is no different. This rising usage leaves a vast amount of electronic waste, which should be appropriately discarded. At the same time, most of it should be recycled and used for new purposes. The challenges in recycling e-waste in Bangladesh include the lack of formal collection systems, insufficient recycling infrastructure, and limited public awareness about the environmental impact of improper e-waste disposal. Informal recycling practices often involve hazardous processes that frequently exacerbate the process and harm both the environment and workers.

Ideas from various countries can be adopted and implemented in Bangladesh to reduce as well as to manage waste in a better way. For example, any citizen can deposit waste into certain places proposed by government or private organisations and get cash or various credits. Those credits can be used for discounts on utility bills. Also, designated dustbins can be used for general and recyclable waste. This waste can be collected as soon as the bins are full, sending notifications to the waste management companies as the whole system will be based on IoT with the bins having sensors.

Japan, Canada, and the European Union have implemented Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), which holds producers (manufacturers, importers, sellers) accountable for making their products for the entire lifecycle, even after the consumer stops using them. This means that the producers are not only responsible for making the products but also must be a part of the waste management of their products. They have some policies, like the take-back policy, which provides facilities for the consumers to return used products. They also have recycling obligations. These schemes encourage them to reduce waste by contributing to the government or third-party waste management initiatives.

Food waste can be redirected to renewable energy sectors to produce biogas. For instance, South Korea has implemented a mandatory food waste recycling programme where food waste is collected separately and processed into biogas and animal feed. Such a system not only reduces landfill usage but also contributes to renewable energy production and agricultural sustainability. Bangladesh could adopt a similar model by establishing dedicated food waste collection and processing centres in urban areas.

Startups focusing on areas like waste-to-energy technologies, recycling infrastructure, and eco-friendly alternatives to plastics should be encouraged. For example, companies that focus on converting waste materials, such as plastic and organic waste, into valuable fuels and energy can make a huge impact and significantly reduce waste.

Public campaigns to educate citizens about waste segregation, recycling, and the environmental consequences of improper waste disposal are crucial. Effective methods could include integrating waste management topics into school curricula to instil habits from an early age and organising interactive workshops in communities. Social media campaigns using influencers and local celebrities can also raise awareness and encourage sustainable practices. These approaches can ensure that the message reaches a diverse audience and promotes active participation.

Indeed, the widespread use of plastic bags has largely been replaced with eco-friendly alternatives like jute and paper bags, but this practice should be implemented more strictly. Modern landfills equipped with gas recovery systems can also reduce the environmental impact of plastic waste and other non-recyclables. These systems capture methane, a potent greenhouse gas typically released from decomposing waste in landfills, which can be converted into renewable energy and reduce air pollution.

Additionally, setting up innovation hubs and providing access to research facilities could foster the growth of sustainable businesses and enrich the research sector for this cause. For instance, exploring methods like bioleaching, a process where bacteria safely extract valuable materials from electronic waste, can be a game-changer. This technique not only minimises environmental harm but also provides a sustainable approach to recycling and resource recovery. By encouraging such advancements, Bangladesh can pave the way for a more sustainable and efficient waste management system.

While many initiatives are being undertaken to reduce waste, a more cohesive and systematic effort is needed to overcome the flaws of the current waste management system. The government should establish clear and enforceable guidelines and strong legislation, and ensure practical policy implementation, which are essential to drive meaningful change in this respect. By learning from global best practices, fostering innovation, and raising public awareness, Bangladesh can transform its waste management system into one that is more sustainable, efficient, and environmentally responsible.

Shaikh Afnan Birahim is a postgraduate student of computing science at the University of Glasgow.​

 

[Saif]

For a climate-resilient urban future, we need empowered women

Climate change disproportionately affects women and many migrate to cities.

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For a climate-resilient urban future, we need empowered women

Women are more likely to migrate than men due to the loss of livelihoods because of climate change. FILE PHOTO: RAJIB RAIHAN

Bangladesh, as a low-lying deltaic country with a high-density population of over 17 crore, faces severe impacts of climate change such as rising sea levels, increased flooding, and more frequent natural disasters. These challenges disproportionately affect women, who comprise over half of the population and face compounded vulnerabilities due to poverty, gender inequality, and limited resources.

Women are generally more vulnerable to climate change than men because they make up the majority of Bangladesh's poor, with over 50 percent of women living below the national poverty line. Moreover, their vulnerability is exacerbated due to existing gender inequalities and socioeconomic factors. Women are particularly impacted in urban slums and informal settlements, where inadequate infrastructure, poor sanitation, and lack of essential services exacerbate their struggles.

According to certain studies, women are more likely to migrate than men due to the loss of livelihoods, food insecurity, and lack of adaptation options in their villages. The communities migrate to urban settlements, and this is not new: a major influx occurred after the cyclones in 1970 and 1991, Cyclone Sidr in 2007, Cyclone Aila in 2009, and post floods. Yet, we struggle to find a clear plan for developing infrastructures and services in the cities/urban settings, which is why we find inadequate temporary shelters in the cities.

Climate change drives migration from rural to urban areas, stressing urban resources and infrastructure. This scenario is true not only in Dhaka but also in Chattogram, Khulna and Gazipur, to name a few cities. Women, often engaged in low-wage labour, face wage discrimination, health issues, malnutrition, and inadequate access to healthcare, particularly during pregnancy. The lack of safe water, sanitation, and affordable menstrual hygiene products further compounds their difficulties. Men in these settings also suffer from poor mental health, malnutrition, and drug addiction, indirectly impacting women's burdens.

On a strategic level, decision-makers and political experts have to pay attention to experts who have suggested that to avoid the worst impacts of climate change, we have to put an end to new fossil fuel projects. Reports have highlighted that the fossil fuel industry is exploiting women in low-income countries, violating their rights and causing unimaginable climate destruction. These negative impacts will continue unless countries like Bangladesh, from the LDC group, and small nation states work collectively for a just transition to renewable energy pathways.

It is important to remind ourselves that adaptation strategies and pathways will not work unless global leadership is serious about meeting the emission reduction target. In 2024, the average global temperature rise has already been perilously close to an increase of 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. As things stand, current emissions reduction commitments put the world on track for a global temperature rise of 2.6-2.8 degrees Celsius this century, and the actions needed to meet these commitments are insufficient. An urgent phase-out of fossil fuels is essential to keep global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

In urban spaces, heat-related issues have become a major concern as the poor have limited resources and knowledge to deal with it. Efforts at a national level to address these issues must include gender-responsive climate adaptation pathways. Urban institutions and authorities need to be empowered, decentralised, and provided with a separate budget to serve their constituencies. First and foremost, the policymakers require disaggregated data.

Empowering women through education, resource access, and participation in decision-making processes enhances community resilience. Policies like the Bangladesh Climate Change and Gender Action Plan (CCGAP) provide frameworks to integrate gender considerations, but they require improved implementation and monitoring. Women's leadership in local governance and climate initiatives, such as women-led emergency response groups and Reflect Circles at community levels, demonstrates the potential for inclusive and effective disaster response. Sustainable solutions demand gender-sensitive urban planning, enhanced access to climate finance, and community-based interventions to build resilience and equity.

It is critical to enhance and increase access of women, youth, and marginalised communities to climate finance, DRR and humanitarian funding, including by supporting women's organisations to access funding from national and international funding bodies and other multilateral mechanisms generally and those focusing on urbanisation and development.

Farah Kabir is the country director of ActionAid Bangladesh.​

 

[Saif]

Dhaka canals pay for haphazard waste dumping

THE sorry state of canals and water bodies of Dhaka can hardly be exaggerated. All canals that run in and around the city have either fallen into a terrible state or are hurtling towards...

www.newagebd.net

Dhaka canals pay for haphazard waste dumping
28 December, 2024, 00:00

THE sorry state of canals and water bodies of Dhaka can hardly be exaggerated. All canals that run in and around the city have either fallen into a terrible state or are hurtling towards a slow death in the absence of effective waste management and because of encroachment. A waste-filled state of a canal at Mirpur, as a photograph that New Age published on December 27 shows, is representative of almost all canals and water bodies that have been left unprotected. The unplanned dumping of municipal wastes, kitchen market wastes, faecal sludge and medical and electric wastes keeps destroying the canals, polluting the environment, causing water stagnation and adversely impacting public health. The office of Dhaka’s deputy commissioner says that there are 54 canals in Dhaka, the Institute of Water Modelling lists 50 and the National River Conservation Commission has 77 canals on its list. The two city authorities are mainly responsible for the preservation and maintenance of the canals. But not even a single canal in Dhaka is now free of pollution and encroachment. A number of canals have also lost their flow and some have disappeared, too, because of unabated encroachment.

The existence of a few canals has been only on paper as they have all now been encroached on. Many others are headed for the same fate in the absence of any action. The Flood Action Plan and the detailed area plan of the city have identified 5,523 acres of water retention areas, 20,093 acres of canals and rivers and 74,598 acres of flood flow zones for preservation, but about two-thirds of such areas have already been occupied by government agencies and powerful quarters. What is highly concerning is that about 2,000 acres of flood flow zones, as estimates show, disappear every year while of the 5,523 acres identified as water retention areas, only 1,744 acres are found existent in a 2017 Rajuk study. In 2016, after a massive water stagnation, agencies such as the Dhaka South City Corporation, Dhaka Water Supply and Sewerage Authority, district administration, police and the Water Development Board, collectively took an initiative to enlist grabbers and ensure their eviction and completed a list and ran a few piecemeal reclamation drives, which proved unsustainable as most of the grabbers returned while new ones have joined in. What is unacceptable is that when there are a number of laws, rules, policies and guidelines to ensure environmentally-friendly waste management and stop encroachment, the authorities have completely failed to save the canals.

It is high time the authorities abandoned paying lip service to the issue and showed the will to reclaim and preserve the canals, wetland, green areas and water bodies. The government should take up an integrated approach to reclaim and conserve the canals to stop the city from hurtling to a disaster.​

 

[Saif]

Bring dead and dying rivers back to life

Drastic fall of groundwater level due to indiscriminate extraction of water mainly for irrigation in the country's Barind region has become a cause for concern. Many areas in the region are now facing an acute shortage of water for the above reason. According to a report of The Financial Express, t

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Bring dead and dying rivers back to life
Sarker Nazrul Islam
Published :
Dec 27, 2024 21:31
Updated :
Dec 27, 2024 21:31

Drastic fall of groundwater level due to indiscriminate extraction of water mainly for irrigation in the country's Barind region has become a cause for concern. Many areas in the region are now facing an acute shortage of water for the above reason. According to a report of The Financial Express, the fall of groundwater level and extensive use of chemical pesticides for pest control are posing a serious threat to public health. It may be noted that due to distinct soil condition and comparatively higher elevation of the Barind tract some 20 to 40 meters above the sea level, rivers that could serve as water reservoirs in the areas are small in number. Naturally, agriculture in the region depends mainly on groundwater extraction. The region has now turned into a dry and arid area due to deforestation and use of subterranean water for irrigation and other purposes. The worsening of the situation could be avoided had there been an extensive network of canals to supply surface water for irrigation. But there is no such provision.

However, dependence on groundwater for irrigation is no longer specific to the north-western region; it is more or less the same in areas where rivers and other open and closed water bodies were far greater in number even a few decades ago. But many of such natural water reservoirs have either met the end of their life or started drying up in the natural process of accumulation of silt and also for mindless encroachment by powerful quarters. Unplanned dam construction has also a role in the loss of navigability and dying condition of a large number of rivers. Big or small rivers alike accumulated huge quantities of silt on their beds over long periods of time but no measures such as capital dredging and river training have been taken for the revival of the dead rivers or rivers in their death throes.

Even in areas once crisscrossed by rivers and dotted with many water bodies, farmers now depend on groundwater for irrigation because of dwindling numbers of sweet water sources. The country withdraws an estimated 32 cubic kilometers (7.7 cubic miles) of groundwater annually, 90 per cent of which is used for irrigation, according to a joint study by the Directorate of Groundwater Hydrology and the World Bank. Bangladesh ranks sixth in the world among countries with the largest estimated annual groundwater extraction, according to the UN World Water Development Report 2022. As a result, the groundwater level in the country is going down at a faster rate. These are simply horrifying in this very wet country receiving on an average about 2,200 millimeters of rainfall per year and washed by frequent floods. If rivers and other water bodies were maintained properly, surface water would be enough for irrigation.

Bangladesh is a deltaic plain created by three mighty river systems namely the Ganges, the Brahmaputra and the Meghna that originated from the Himalayan range and adjoining regions and ended their journey in the Bay of Bengal. Those rivers and hundreds of their tributaries carried billions of tonnes of silt over millions of years and deposited the same at their estuaries. This process ultimately led to the geo-physical formation of this largest delta in the world. But that is not all about their role: those were behind the development of a distinct type of ecology and environment and flora and fauna of unique nature. Those also shaped the life and livelihood of the people and left behind an indelible mark on their culture.

It is evident from the above facts that rivers are vitally important to the economy of this country. The interconnecting rivers served as communication network and played vital roles in trade and commerce. Rivers abound with hundreds of delicious fish species met a significant part of people's nutrition demand and were the sources of livelihood of a large fishing community. According to sources, 60 per cent of the country's population still depends on river water for their animal protein intake. Rivers were the primary sources of irrigation for agriculture. The World Bank estimated that rivers contribute $1.2 billion to Bangladesh's economy annually.

Nature bestowed Bangladesh with all these resources. But instead of ensuring their sustainable use, those were rather left unused or underused. Indifference and negligence to rivers is evident from the rivers around the capital city. Those have been pushed to such a deplorable condition that aquatic plants and animals cannot live in them for heavy pollution and lack of dissolved oxygen in their water. Developed road and railway communication networks are no doubt essential for faster growth of the economy but lopsided emphasis was given on them to the neglect of the inland waterways. Irrigation with river water with low cost technologies would have been quite cheaper but, instead, loss of these natural facilities led to irrigation with costly foreign technology and imported fossil fuel. According to an estimate, out of a total of 24,000 kilometres of rivers, some 5,900 km waterway at present is navigable in the rainy season and only about 3,800 kilometres remain so during the dry season. A nation that neglects its resources bestowed by nature only deserves pity.

However, time is not over yet to frame strategies for maintaining navigability of the existing rivers and reclaiming the lost ones with necessary dredging and river training. Special emphasis should be given on bringing dying rivers back to life. Irrigation with groundwater should be phased out and reverted to the use of surface water from rivers and canals. The Bangladesh Delta Plan 2100 has set before it six specific goals, five of which are focused on conservation of rivers, wetlands and ecosystem and efficient use of water. Now, specific plans should be chalked out and implemented to bring the dead and dying rivers back to life and ensure their sustainable use.​

 

[Saif]

Air pollution menace needs effective dust and waste management

Dhaka’s air pollution is worsened by dust from construction and roadworks, requiring solutions.

www.thedailystar.net

Air pollution menace needs effective dust and waste management

Many roadworks use low-quality materials, improper waste disposal, and unregulated practices, worsening the problem. FILE/PHOTO: PALASH KHAN

Air pollution in Dhaka has been a growing concern for both residents and authorities, with the city consistently ranking among the most polluted in the world. One of the leading contributors to air pollution is the massive amount of dust and waste generated by roadworks, construction projects, and uncoordinated urban development. Experts stress that coordinating government bodies, private stakeholders, and using better technology can reduce dust pollution and improve air quality.

A major source of dust pollution in Dhaka is the frequent road digging for utility work. These frequent disruptions contribute to dust pollution and cause significant traffic jams, leading to further emission of harmful gases from vehicles. According to a report from the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (2023), these ongoing disruptions contribute significantly to the declining air quality in the city.

Many roadworks use low-quality materials, improper waste disposal, and unregulated practices, worsening the problem. The lack of permanent utility infrastructure leads to repeated work, increasing dust and debris. A 2022 study by Chowdhury and Khan found that substandard construction practices in Dhaka contribute significantly to air pollution due to poor site waste management.

Experts argue that the solution to this issue lies in the coordination between local and national government bodies, private construction companies, and utility providers. The lack of coordination among involved parties causes inefficiency, with multiple agencies digging up the same roads. The government should enforce a collaborative planning system for coordinated utility work. The World Bank (2020) highlights that coordinated urban planning reduces disruptions, improving resource management and urban environments. Besides the private sector should also be encouraged to adopt best practices, including using modern equipment to minimise dust and waste. For instance, using advanced vacuum trucks to remove debris and dust from construction sites can be a game changer. The World Bank (2020) suggests that such innovations could reduce the burden of air pollution in cities like Dhaka, offering a sustainable way to handle urban infrastructure.

A permanent solution to reducing dust and waste from roadworks is implementing a comprehensive underground utility system. By installing a unified network for water, gas, and electricity, the city can reduce frequent excavations and minimise dust. The World Bank (2020) notes that cities with integrated underground utilities experience fewer disruptions and lower air pollution from roadworks.

Besides, dust control measures, like water spraying systems, can reduce airborne particles during roadworks. Digital mapping tools can track utility installations, minimising future digging and ensuring timely roadworks. This is supported by the 2022 Chowdhury and Khan research.

Another crucial factor in managing dust and waste is ensuring high-quality construction. Low-quality work often leads to cracks and rework, which not only wastes time and resources but also contributes to the continuous disruption of urban areas. The government should impose strict quality standards for all construction and roadworks to prevent the need for repeated repairs. The World Bank (2020) suggests that investment in high-quality infrastructure reduces long-term maintenance costs and improves the city's sustainability.

Private companies should be incentivised to invest in durable, sustainable materials that require fewer interventions. "Green" construction practices, focusing on sustainable materials and waste reduction, should be prioritised in both public and private projects. Research by Chowdhury and Khan (2022) shows that cities with high construction standards experience fewer disruptions and less environmental degradation.

The role of local communities and citizens in reducing dust pollution should not be overlooked. Authorities should engage with residents through awareness programmes on the importance of waste management and reducing unnecessary burning of waste.

Dhaka's air pollution requires a coordinated approach from all stakeholders. By using advanced technology and investing in underground utilities, the city can reduce dust, waste, and create a more sustainable environment. The future of Dhaka lies in long-term planning, collaboration, and the adoption of innovative technologies.

S M Muhaiminul Islam is a researcher and member of the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB).​

 

[Saif]

Curbing methane to combat climate change

WHEN we think of climate change, carbon dioxide (CO₂) often dominates climate discourse, while methane is a powerful, yet often overlooked, greenhouse gas that deserves more attention. Methane (CH₄) is...

www.newagebd.net

Curbing methane to combat climate change
by Md Zahurul Al Mamun 30 December, 2024, 00:00

New Age

The road to methane reduction is long and complex, but the solutions are increasingly within reach. Political will, financial investment and global cooperation are needed to turn those solutions into reality, writes Md Zahurul Al Mamun

WHEN we think of climate change, carbon dioxide (CO₂) often dominates climate discourse, while methane is a powerful, yet often overlooked, greenhouse gas that deserves more attention. Methane (CH₄) is over 80 times more effective at trapping heat in the atmosphere than CO₂ over a 20-year period, making it a key target for short-term climate action to slow global warming. And it is not just industrial giants or deforestation driving this — it is the very food we consume, the waste we discard and the livestock we farm.

However, the narrative surrounding methane reductions, particularly within the global food system, often lacks the complexity needed to generate effective solutions. We need a more radical, data-driven reevaluation of our food systems, one that challenges the assumption that small, incremental changes can make a meaningful dent in methane emissions.

A system at risk

METHANE’S role in the food system is far-reaching. Livestock farming, rice paddies and food waste — the three pillars of our global food system — are driving methane emissions through the roof. According to McKinsey & Company, agriculture accounts for an estimated 45 per cent of total methane emissions. About 80 per cent of agricultural methane emissions are from livestock production, with rice cultivation contributing 10-12 per cent. The UNEP Food Waste Index Report 2021 states that food waste contributes around 8–10 per cent of total GHG emissions.

By 2050, we could avoid around 0.1–0.2°C of warming simply by slashing methane emissions from food systems. While this might sound small, it’s a critical piece of the puzzle. The UNEP report highlights that cutting methane emissions by 45 per cent by 2030 could prevent 0.3°C of warming by 2045 — a key step toward keeping global temperatures under the 1.5°C target set by the Paris Agreement.

This represents a pivotal opportunity to slow down climate change, yet achieving this requires more than merely shifting consumer behaviour. It demands a structural overhaul of food systems, which necessitates confronting the entrenched interests that have benefitted from the status quo.

Cost of our choices

THE common prescription to address methane emissions is to reduce red meat and dairy consumption. It is estimated that a shift to plant-based diets could reduce food-related methane emissions by 20–30 per cent. But here’s where the narrative gets tricky. However, while these figures are enticing, they are misleading unless we fully consider the societal and economic complexities at play.

For some, reducing meat consumption might seem simple—especially in high-income countries, where red meat is often over-consumed. Indeed, a study from the World Resources Institute (WRI) found that implementing a 10 per cent tax on beef could reduce consumption by 5–10 per cent. In fact, in 2023, more than 15 countries introduced policies to curb meat consumption, with several nations exploring economic incentives to promote plant-based foods.

Projected increases in demand for ruminant meat — up to 90 per cent by 2050 — cannot simply be reversed by expecting consumer behaviour to change. Take the 2023 survey by the International Food Information Council — nearly 70 per cent of US consumers expressed a willingness to cut back on meat. But in reality, only 20 per cent followed through. This gap between intention and action underscores the complexity of behaviour change. It’s easy to say, ‘Eat less meat,’ but without systemic changes, it’s unlikely to happen on the scale needed.

But what happens when we apply this logic to lower-income nations, where livestock not only provides nutrition but also economic stability? The smallholder farmer in Bangladesh or the herder in Kenya can’t afford to abandon livestock-based agriculture overnight. For them, meat and dairy are not indulgences; they are lifelines. Are we truly prepared to offer them alternatives that preserve their livelihoods?

Improving production practices

MEANWHILE, technological advancements and policy-driven incentives are likely to reduce methane emissions from food production. The widespread adoption of methane-reducing technologies, such as cattle vaccines and methane inhibitors, is slow, but momentum is building. In high-income nations, precision farming and advanced breeding programs offer the potential to significantly reduce emissions, but developing nations face more significant barriers. Here, international cooperation and funding will be critical to closing the gap.

Optimising agricultural practices to reduce methane emissions is another critical pillar of mitigation strategies. Livestock feed additives, such as red seaweed, have shown promising results in reducing methane emissions from cows by up to 90 per cent in laboratory settings. Yet, the gap between potential and practical implementation is vast. These technologies remain inaccessible or economically unfeasible for farmers, especially in developing countries, where the agricultural sector is already underfunded.

Similarly, rice cultivation, which contributes to around 12 per cent of global methane emissions, can be optimised by employing alternate wetting and drying techniques, reducing methane emissions by up to 48 per cent in some cases. However, scaling this up globally requires investments in infrastructure and training that many countries are not equipped to handle. Without international cooperation and substantial funding, these solutions remain more theory than practice.

The claim that ‘optimising production processes could reduce emissions by up to 50 per cent’ is perhaps overly optimistic without acknowledging the economic and technological constraints. In many cases, production improvements are incremental and significant reductions in methane emissions will require global cooperation, financial support and a just transition for farmers who depend on methane-heavy agricultural practices for their livelihood.

Reducing food waste to save the planet

FOOD waste is another major contributor to methane emissions. According to the UNEP Food Waste Index Report 2021, approximately 30 per cent of all food produced globally is wasted and when this organic matter decays in landfills, it releases vast quantities of methane. In wealthier nations, food waste occurs mostly at the consumer level, driven by over-purchasing, confusion over expiration dates and the pursuit of aesthetic standards in retail. Conversely, in developing nations, food waste happens post-harvest due to inadequate cold storage, poor transportation infrastructure and inefficient supply chains. For example, in sub-Saharan Africa, post-harvest losses account for up to 20 per cent of all food produced.

If we were to halve food waste, we could reduce warming by a substantial margin. Yet, food waste is not just a logistical issue — it is a moral one. With over 800 million people going hungry worldwide, throwing away food isn’t just irresponsible; it is inhumane. The methane released from our waste is a brutal irony in a world where the excess of some condemns the rest to suffer the consequences. Tackling food waste requires localised, context-specific interventions rather than one-size-fits-all global campaigns.

Broader greenhouse gas picture

WHILE methane dominates the food-related emissions landscape, other GHGs, including carbon dioxide (CO₂) and nitrous oxide (N₂O), must also be addressed. Focusing solely on methane would be a mistake. For example, while livestock emits significant methane, agriculture — through activities such as synthetic fertiliser use — contributes around 80 per cent of global N₂O emissions, according to McKinsey & Company. These emissions have nearly tripled since 1980 due to the intensification of agriculture, making N₂O reductions an essential part of a comprehensive mitigation strategy.

Methane, CO₂ and N₂O emissions are intertwined and addressing them together will lead to cumulative effects that help stabilise the climate. While reducing methane is critical, it’s part of a larger puzzle that includes cutting down on CO₂ and N₂O emissions from agricultural systems. Moreover, reducing greenhouse gases must include energy decarbonisation across agricultural sectors. Renewable energy in farming not only slashes CO₂ emissions but also has the potential to curb methane and N₂O. A coherent mitigation strategy for the food system requires both top-down policies, such as the Global Methane Pledge and bottom-up innovations, from technological breakthroughs to grassroots efforts in sustainable farming.

A growing number of experts suggest shifting to Global Warming Potential Star as a metric rather than carbon dioxide equivalent, or CO₂e, for assessing methane’s impact, as it better accounts for the short-term nature of methane relative to CO₂. Incorporating this into global climate targets will ensure a more balanced and effective approach to reducing GHG emissions from food systems.

The road to a sustainable food system isn’t just about eating less meat or throwing away less food — it’s about fundamentally rethinking how we grow, process and distribute food in a way that considers the broader emissions picture.

The crossroads

IT IS not just about what we can do — it is about what we must do. We are at a tipping point. The Global Methane Pledge, launched at COP26 in Glasgow, offers hope, with over 158 countries (Bangladesh is a signatory) committing to cut methane emissions by 30 per cent by 2030. But pledges alone won’t solve this. Real action — on both the national and corporate levels — is required.

To make informed decisions at the national level, Bangladesh needs to establish data collection and inventory management systems for accurate insights. Additionally, the government must introduce the right policies in the right places to promote methane reduction, including carbon pricing strategies, subsidies for methane-reducing technologies and support for plant-based alternatives.

For example, in New Zealand, the government has introduced a methane-reduction plan targeting emissions from agriculture while protecting farmers’ livelihoods. This plan includes reducing biogenic methane emissions by 10 per cent on 2017 levels by 2030 and by 24–47 per cent by 2050. This approach offers a potential model for other nations.

Meanwhile, corporate initiatives are emerging. Companies like Nestlé and Unilever have committed to reducing methane emissions in their supply chains by promoting sustainable agricultural practices. These efforts are crucial as they demonstrate the role of the private sector in addressing climate change.

The road to methane reduction is long and complex, but the solutions are increasingly within reach. Political will, financial investment and global cooperation are needed to turn those solutions into reality.

The moral imperative

YET, the challenge remains monumental. We are not only up against emissions—we are up against ourselves: our habits, our cultures, our economies. Methane emissions aren’t just an abstract scientific concept — they are an expression of our relationship with the Earth, with each other and with future generations. The opportunity to cut methane is perhaps the most promising lever we have to slow near-term warming and prevent the worst impacts of climate change. But here’s the uncomfortable truth: if we don’t rethink how we produce and consume food, the future will force us to reckon with the consequences in far more brutal ways.

Are we ready to act?

Md Zahurul Al Mamun is a climate change researcher and analyst.​

 

[Saif]

New law to be formulated to protect trees

Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan yesterday announced that a new law is being formulated to protect trees, which will include special provisions against using nails on trees for advertisements.

www.thedailystar.net

New law to be formulated to protect trees
Says Rizwana

File photo

Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan yesterday announced that a new law is being formulated to protect trees, which will include special provisions against using nails on trees for advertisements.

Stressing the need for public cooperation to stop this harmful practice, she said once the law is enacted, violators will face penalties.

She made the remarks while inaugurating a tree protection campaign by removing nails from trees on the road adjacent to the south gate of Abahani field in the capital.

She said driving nails into trees disrupts their growth, ultimately leading to their death. Such actions harm the environment.

Rizwana also attended a workshop for executive magistrates involved in mobile court operations. She directed them to take strict measures against those responsible for air pollution.​

 

[Saif]

The imperative of plastic waste management

The fact that one of the main reasons for environmental pollution in the country is plastic need not be over-emphasised. A recent study by the Environment and Social Development Organisation (ESDO) titled "Environmental Impact of Single-use Plastic Bottles: Pollution and Health Risks" reveals alarm

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

The imperative of plastic waste management
Wasi Ahmed
Published :
Dec 31, 2024 21:41
Updated :
Dec 31, 2024 21:41

Women process plastic waste at a dumping site in Dhaka, Bangladesh on January 8, 2020 — Xinhua photo


The fact that one of the main reasons for environmental pollution in the country is plastic need not be over-emphasised. A recent study by the Environment and Social Development Organisation (ESDO) titled "Environmental Impact of Single-use Plastic Bottles: Pollution and Health Risks" reveals alarming data on the country's use and disposal of plastic. Bangladesh annually consumes approximately 3.15 to 3.84 billion single-use plastic bottles, of which only 21.4 per cent are recycled, says the study. The remaining 78.6 per cent find their way into rivers, seas, and landfills, posing severe environmental and health risks.

The study highlights that single-use plastic bottles can persist in the environment for up to 450 years, releasing microplastics and toxic chemicals into ecosystems and food chains. Urban areas in Bangladesh primarily use water bottles, while rural regions lean towards soft drink bottles. However, awareness of the associated health and environmental risks remains dismally low. Only 18.4 per cent of urban consumers and 5.5 per cent of rural consumers understand the health risks posed by these plastics, while a mere 3.4 per cent are aware of their environmental impact. Alarmingly, 51 per cent of urban consumers and 42 per cent of rural consumers discard plastic bottles after a single use. Chemicals such as Bisphenol A (BPA), commonly found in these plastics, pose significant health risks, including hormonal disruption and chronic diseases like cancer.

Although pollution, for the most part, is manmade let loose by poor waste management and inadequate application of recycling methods, the fact remains that plastic pollution is a catastrophe on a scale that is difficult to grasp. Across the world, humans are exposed to harmful plastic through consumption of particles in fish, swallowing it with drinking water and even breathing it in from the air.

ESDO in its study report has recommended for promoting environment-friendly and sustainable alternatives, encouraging the use of reusable bottles, reducing the production and consumption of single-use plastic bottles, developing and enforcing comprehensive policies and regulatory guidelines, supporting manufacture of alternative materials, ensuring environmentally responsible recycling practices, imposing a ban on the reuse of harmful chemicals and preventing the trade of hazardous plastic waste.

High volume of waste, not properly disposed or recycled, deprives the country of substantial earnings which could be well over Tk 60 billion annually, according to another study by a private research body, Waste Concern. The yearly production of the country's plastic factories, from more than 5,000 units, is approximately 4.0 million tonnes, of which more than 1.0 million tonne turns into waste. But the volume of waste recycled, according to the study, is only around 28 per cent. Although the government is providing tax exemption for initiatives for recycling, and reduced bank loans are also being availed of by enterprises for the purpose, recycling is appallingly low.

This, no doubt, explains the urgency of collaborative efforts of the government and the private sector towards working on an effective waste recycling and management policy. Experts believe that effective waste management is the key to flourishing the prospects of the country's plastic industry. While improvements in infrastructure, product development are integral to the growth of the industry to desired levels, waste management and recycling are critical areas in need of immediate attention. It has been found that of all the waste accumulated on a daily basis in the country, the share of plastic is more than 60 per cent. However, doing away with the waste is relatively easier compared with various types from other sources due to the user-friendly recycling technology. But in the absence of systematic methods of collecting waste and recycling facilities, the bulk of the refuse is left to pollute the environment.

One of the main benefits that most countries derive from recycled plastic waste is substantial saving on procuring raw materials and increased earnings from recycled products. Findings of the study by the research body--Waste Concern say that if the refuse of plastic factories in and around Dhaka alone are recycled with appropriate technology, 75 per cent of it could be tuned into fresh products, which would amount to around Tk 7.0 billion in foreign exchange. This indeed explains that an added focus on recycling and growth of the country's plastic sector are mutually inclusive and reinforcing.

An important point that needs to be mentioned here is that not all grades of plastic are recyclable. So, the problem associated with recycling lies in the various grades of plastic that are in use. This is a problem all over the world, including in the advanced countries. There are thus talks of banning use of those grades of plastic that cannot be recycled. An alternative suggestion forwarded by experts is to allow only a few (preferably one or two) recyclable grades for manufacturing plastic products. Given the dangers looming not too far, it is likely that most countries will agree to work on such a common agenda-to cut pollution on the one hand, and benefit from the immense possibilities of plastic, on the other.​

 

[Saif]

Can we ever curb Dhaka's air pollution?

Lack of progress under interim government has been frustrating

www.thedailystar.net

Can we ever curb Dhaka's air pollution?
Lack of progress under interim government has been frustrating

VISUAL: STAR

It is alarming to learn that this December marked the most polluted month in Dhaka in the past nine years. According to the Center for Atmospheric Pollution Studies (CAPS), over these nine years, the months of December have seen 17 days of "hazardous" air, with 11 of those days being in last December. Research by CAPS found that the average Air Quality Index (AQI) last month was 288—the worst since 2016. On December 14, the pollution level reached an unprecedented 880 AQI at 11 PM.

Thus, Dhaka has suffered from consistently poor air quality over the years. While the air quality slightly improves during the monsoon season, it deteriorates to "unhealthy" and "very unhealthy" levels during winter. But 11 days of "hazardous" air in a single month indicates a tipping point that demands decisive action.

The failure of the previous government has undoubtedly contributed to the current situation. Many projects were undertaken over the past decade to improve air quality, but these failed to deliver results, with allegations of funds being misappropriated by the relevant authorities. But has anything changed since the political transition in August? Reportedly, no significant initiatives have been undertaken to address major pollution sources such as brick kilns, factory emissions, unfit vehicles, indiscriminate waste burning, and unchecked construction activities. We do not need additional projects to curb these illegal activities—what we need is active, consistent monitoring which is sorely lacking at present. The environment ministry must be held accountable for this failure.

It is known that political influence hindered efforts when Awami League was in power, but how to explain the lack of progress since the interim government took charge? After assuming the role of environment adviser, Syeda Rizwana Hasan announced a National Air Quality Management Action Plan to address pollution sources, improve air monitoring, and strengthen enforcement mechanisms. Months have passed, yet there has been no tangible progress. As a result, Dhaka's hospitals are now overwhelmed with patients suffering from pollution-related diseases.

We do not expect a dramatic change under the interim government, but Dhaka's residents at least deserve to see some measurable progress in curbing its air pollution. The authorities must not fail them again.​

 

[Saif]

Anti-polythene drive: Tk 29 lakh fined, 60,000kg polythene seized

The team inspected shops for compliance and encouraged traders to switch to eco-friendly alternatives like jute and fabric bags.

www.thedailystar.net

Anti-polythene drive: Tk 29 lakh fined, 60,000kg polythene seized

Photo: UNB

The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change has intensified its crackdown on illegal polythene bag production, imposing fines of approximately Tk 29 lakh and seizing nearly 60,000 kilogrammes of polythene during nationwide operations since November 3.

Tapan Kumar Biswas, additional secretary and chairpersn of the Ministry's Monitoring Committee stated that a total of 216 mobile court operations have been carried out nationwide.

The operations targeted 438 establishments, leading to the seizure of 59,959 kilograms of polythene.

"The number of mobile courts has been increased to enforce stricter measures. Legal actions will be taken against offenders," he said during a media briefing following a monitoring operation at Hatirpool and Palashi markets in Dhaka.

Highlighting the environmental damage caused by polythene, Tapan noted its role in severe pollution, obstruction of rivers and canals, and soil degradation.

He stressed the importance of enforcing the ban effectively and urged citizens to adopt reusable alternatives such as jute, fabric, or wax-coated paper bags.

"We need everyone's cooperation to make this initiative a success," he said, calling for public awareness and media support.

The monitoring operation was conducted by officials from the ministry, the Department of Environment, law enforcement agencies, and market committee representatives.

The team inspected shops for compliance and encouraged traders to switch to eco-friendly alternatives like jute and fabric bags.​

 

[Saif]

Prevent start of illegal brick kilns’ operations in hill districts: HC to govt

The High Court today ordered the government to take necessary steps in a week in order to prevent the illegal brick kilns in different places of the three hill districts--Khagrachhari, Bandarban and Rangamati--from starting their activities

www.thedailystar.net

Prevent start of illegal brick kilns’ operations in hill districts: HC to govt

File photo of Bangladesh High Court

The High Court today ordered the government to take necessary steps in a week in order to prevent the illegal brick kilns in different places of the three hill districts--Khagrachhari, Bandarban and Rangamati--from starting their activities.

The HC asked the deputy commissioners of the three districts to comply with the directives and to submit compliance reports before it in two weeks.

The bench of Justice Farah Mahbub and Justice Debasish Roy Chowdhury delivered the order after hearing a writ petition filed by in 2022 by Human Rights and Peace for Bangladesh (HRPB) seeking necessary directives to stop the activities of illegal brick kilns without licenses in the three hill districts.

Petitioner's lawyer Manzill Murshid told the court that the season for production of brick kilns has already started.

If illegal brick kilns start operations, it will harm the environment and public health, he said.

Advocate Manzill Murshid also mentioned that if directives are not given from the HC to prevent illegal brick kilns from starting operations, those will start the seasonal works again and therefore, it will be very harmful to the environment.​