(Mist) cannons to fight pollution!

To control dust pollution in the capital and maintain air quality, Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) have begun operating two truck-mounted mist cannons. Officials say it is an improvement from current mechanisms of dust management and can prove to be an important part of plans for a cleaner Dhaka.

DNCC bought the Dutch-manufactured cannon in February at a cost of Tk 13 crore, said officials. It has a 15,000-litre water reservoir and a 360-degree spray bar that can disperse mist at a range of at least 30 metres.

Sohel Engineering & Construction Ltd, a private company that supplied the machine, has been charged with maintaining and spraying water around Airport Road, Agargaon and in front of the Prime Minister's Office.

"It is currently being operated on a pilot basis, particularly around metro rail areas. If it works well, we might buy more," said DNCC Waste Management Department Executive Engineer Anwarul Karim.

"We bought the trucks to keep the air free from dust. Keeping the pandemic in mind, we might also add sanitisers to help contain spread of coronavirus," the official said.

"Currently, it is being operated from 8am to noon every day," he added.  

Sohel Engineering & Construction Ltd Marketing Manager MA Shanto said, "We will look after the truck for the next three years."

"The truck is able to blow mist and spray water on the road at the same time. In the front and rear end of the vehicle, the truck has flat spraying nozzles. The water can also reach up to six to seven-storey height, and can help with small fire breakouts," he added.     

On February 4, the High Court issued directives to the two city corporations to spray water on the roads, in a way that also covers small trees on roadside and medians, to curb air pollution.

The HC came up with the order during hearing a writ petition filed by Human Rights and Peace for Bangladesh, seeking necessary order on the authorities concerned to curb pollution in Dhaka.

On January 13, 2020, a HC bench ordered the government to reduce air pollution in and around the capital and also asked the Department of Environment to shut down illegal brick kilns in five districts, including Dhaka.