City environment is deteriorating fast

They said the achievement in improving its air quality is also seriously threatened now by overwhelming numbers of diesel-run vehicles.

The consultation workshop on 'Dhaka City State of Environment Report-2003' was organised jointly by the Department of Environment (DoE) and Bangladesh Centre for Advancement Studies (BCAS) at LGED Auditorium in the city.

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The report showed that environmental condition of the city's land and water is increasingly exposed to serious man-made pollution.

The quality of soil and water bodies including lakes, rivers, canals, wetlands in and around the city is being polluted continuously by the dumping of lethal chemicals, pesticides and haphazard disposal of industrial wastes.

The speakers pointed out that the key driving forces for harming the environment included poverty, illiteracy, migration, overpopulation, unplanned urbanisation and lack of coordination between the core government agencies.

These forces are seriously degrading city's air, water, land and the overall atmosphere, they added.

Speaking as chief guest at the inaugural session, Environment and Forest Minister Tariqul Islam said, "Unplanned urbanisation and city-bound migration of the people have ruined the city environment in the last two decades."

He said most of the city people are not aware of environmental issues, and it is not possible for government alone to maintain a livable city environment.

State Minister for Environment and Forest Jafrul Islam Chowdhury said, "Over the decades the city has expanded very fast without bringing its environmental aspect into any consideration. As a result the city has now become unlivable."

He however explained different government initiatives for the betterment of the city environment.

Environment and Forest Secretary Dr Shoiab Ahmed attributed the over population as the main reason behind the unplanned urbanisation.

He hoped that comprehensive initiative by the government and the non-government organisation would make the city livable.

BCAS Executive Director Dr Atiq Rahman presented the draft of environment report at the inaugural session chaired by Khan M Ibrahim, director general of environment department.

Later at the technical session, the report was finalised.