Air purifier to be installed in Dhaka: DNCC administrator

Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) Administrator Mohammad Ejaz has said authorities are planning to set up "air purifiers” in at least 50 places in Dhaka to prevent air pollution.

On Monday, he said discussions were already under way with different companies to install the purifiers.

Speaking at a policy dialogue jointly organised by the DNCC and the Center for Atmospheric Pollution Studies (CAPS), Ejaz said the major cause of air pollution in Dhaka is 20-year-old vehicles and construction work.

He said the DNCC recommended getting rid of old vehicles, and added: “We are moving towards a system that can reduce pollution from construction work and other reasons.”

“Just as 100 trees purify and cool the air, each device will do so too. We are approaching quick solutions to reduce pollution, and also working on long-term solutions.

“The devices are a bit expensive, but we have received sponsorship to install 50 purifiers. We will enter into agreements with the companies this month.”

Ejaz pointed out that battery-powered rickshaws consume a lot of power. Since their batteries are not lithium-based, they do not use renewable energy.

Moreover, the structure, safety systems, and approvals of these rickshaws are not suitable for city use. A new type of rickshaw has been designed for this reason.

“Each vehicle will have to run on lithium batteries. The damage caused to the environment by burning other batteries will be much less due to this.

“The electricity consumption for battery-powered rickshaws will be much less,” he added.

The DNCC administrator said battery-powered rickshaws will also be allowed in Dhaka keeping many factors in mind. An owner will not get a licence for more than one rickshaw.

“We have to think about how many rickshaws we will allow in the city and on which routes, and whether there is the necessary infrastructure here or not.

“Who will need rickshaws is also a big question. Rickshaw traders are a big syndicate. We will decide and give one rickshaw licence against each National ID card.”

CAPS Chairman Ahmad Kamruzzaman Majumder presented the keynote speech at the event.