Savar declared a degraded airshed over severe air pollutionCEFR A2
6 Sept 2025
Adapted from Rezwan, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by Nur Alamin, Unsplash
The Department of Environment declared Savar a "degraded airshed" after monitoring showed annual pollution almost three times the national standard of 35 micrograms per cubic meter. The decision responds to long-standing pollution linked to local industry and construction.
Data show 164 days of poor air in 2023 and 160 days in 2024. Main polluters are brick kilns, battery and lead factories, transport emissions and construction. A 2023 study reported over 200 brick kilns in Savar, and the Department said 107 kilns operate without environmentally friendly technology.
New rules from September 2025 will restrict brick burning, ban open burning of solid waste, and require clearances for new factories. Local people welcomed the declaration but said strong enforcement is needed.
Difficult words
- government — The group that makes and enforces laws.
- pollution — Harmful substances in the air or water.
- health — The state of being free from illness.
- factory — A place where things are made.factories
- air — The invisible gas we breathe.
- quality — How good or bad something is.
- community — A group of people living together.
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- How do you think air pollution affects daily life?
- Why are factories important for the economy, and how can they also cause pollution?
- What other measures could be taken to improve air quality?
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