Dhaka, April 5 -- Environment Advisor Syeda Rizwana Hasan has said air pollution in Dhaka has become a serious threat to public health.

She made the comment on Saturday while speaking to reporters during a visit to the Matuail sanitary landfill area in Dhaka.

"Air pollution in Dhaka has taken the form of a public health risk," Rizwana said.

"To tackle this situation, city corporations, the Department of Environment and other relevant agencies have been instructed to take coordinated measures.

"Alongside government measures, public awareness must increase. Violations will lead to strict penalties," she said.

The environment advisor stressed that under no circumstances should waste be burnt at Matuail or any other site.

"Measures will...