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April
12, 2000
The
declaration suggested promotion of conversion of all vehicles into
Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) driven vehicles targeting vehicles of the
government and semi-government institutions by June, 2001, conversion
of all auto rickshaws to CNG, if necessary by providing credit
facilities and establishment of more CNG conversion facilities.
Use
of unleaded gasoline should made compulsory in the country as a whole,
it said.
For
protection of natural resources, the declaration recommended adequate
measures be taken to prevent soil erosion and preserve soil fertility
including training of farmers on soil fertility management, and
protect hills and hill slopes.
Other
recommendations include:
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Emphasis on Integrated Pest Management and Integrated Plant Nutrition
Management.
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Reduction in dependence on chemical fertilizer and pesticides through
promotion of organic agriculture to reduce surface water
contamination.
Ban
on undesirable fertilizers be strictly enforced.
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Preservation of the existing forests and ban on the use of firewood
for burning bricks.
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Survey of floral faunal bio-diversity of Bangladesh is expeditiously
taken up, and endangered species are identified and efforts made to
protect them from further depletion.
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Establishment of appropriate standards for disposal of solid, liquid
and gaseous industrial wastes, and setting up environmental courts for
strict enforcement of the standards.
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Prohibition of use of plastic materials where biodegradable materials
can serve the purpose and discourage by fiscal measures the production
of polythene bags. Urgent attention is given to promote jute bags and
adapt biodegradable plastic.
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Medical waste and garbage of hospitals and clinics are kept separate
and appropriate disposal system is instituted. Location of hospitals
and clinics in a built-up area, without ensuring a proper system for
disposal of medical waste is prevented.
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Implementation of Dhaka Metropolitan Development Plan (DMDP), fast
expansion of a mass transit system, setting up a rail transit,
construction of a ring road and bringing in operation a circular
waterway for management of the capital.
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Specific action by the civil society at the individual level that
every citizen sets example of ensuring good environment in one’s own
home and immediate surroundings, and teaches the value of good
environment to children, relatives and friends.
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Each neighborhood takes up programs to manage their own environment
as far as practicable, without looking for any assistance of the
government or municipality.
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