HELEMUL ALAM

The Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) plans to install industrial-grade air purifiers at around 30 public locations to tackle air pollution in the capital.

However, experts have criticised the initiative, calling it an ineffective approach that avoids addressing the root causes of Dhaka’s severe air quality issues.

They argue that such devices will have minimal impact on the city’s heavily polluted air.

Talking to The Daily Star earlier, DNCC Administrator Mohammad Azaz said around 25-30 purifiers will be set up in 25 to 30 public spaces under a corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative, sponsored by a foreign philanthropist. In return, DNCC may allow limited advertising rights on the devices.

The market price of each purifier is around Tk 50 to 60 lakh, said Azaz, adding, “Just like 80 trees purify the air, each device will do the same.”

Installation is set to begin soon under a pilot project. “We’ve already received the proposal. Based on the pilot’s outcome, we will consider expanding the project. Even then, costs will be covered through CSR funding, with our only expense being electricity,” he said.

“We expect to sign a memorandum of understanding within one or two weeks,” he said.

Azaz said many of the proposed sites are under other agencies, but they have agreed to hand over the locations.

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