Dhaka, Aug. 18 -- The government has declared Savar upazila in Dhaka district a "degraded air shed" and announced that, starting September, operation of all brick kilns except 'Tunnel Kilns' and 'Hybrid Hoffman Kilns' will be restricted.

A circular in this regard, signed by Dr Md Kamruzzaman, director general of the Department of Environment, was issued yesterday.

In addition to kiln restrictions, the circular bans open burning of solid waste, issuance of location or environmental clearance for industries that may cause air pollution, and other activities outlined in the action plan.

During the dry season, northwestern and northeastern winds carry pollution from Savar into Dhaka for almost five months, aggravating air quality and creat...