<div><span style="font-size: 1rem;"><b>The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has requested the deputy commissioners to take immediate steps to stop operation of illegal brick kilns to prevent air pollution in the country.</b></span><br></div><div><br></div><div>A letter from Environment Pollution Control Wing-1 of the Ministry was sent to the DCs in this regard on Wednesday and requested them to inform the ministry by taking necessary measures in this regard.</div><div><br></div><div>The letter asked the DCs to close all illegal brick kilns in the country, especially the more harmful ones on priority basis, said the ministry.</div><div><br></div><div>DCs have been asked to strengthen enforcement activities against new brick kilns constructed without any licence.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>The deputy commissioners of those districts where the number of illegal brick kilns are more than the legal ones have been asked to inform the ministry after conducting special drives.</div><div><br></div><div>In another letter issued today, DCs have been requested to take measures to stop the use of dingle-use or disposable plastic products in all government offices in the district, including the deputy commissioner's office, and in coastal areas.</div><div><br></div><div>To prevent plastic and polythene pollution, DCs have been requested to organise monthly meetings and regular discussion meetings with stakeholders and to launch public awareness programmes. - UNB</div><div><br></div><div>bnbd24/fas</div>