DHAKA, Sept 22, 2024 (BSS) – Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) today urged media to launch awareness campaign to support the successful implementation of the 'Silent Zone' initiative around Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) and its surrounding areas, set to begin on October 1.

"Media can play a crucial role in raising public awareness about the harmful effects of noise pollution and ensuring their involvement in implementing the ‘Silent Zone’ initiative," said CAAB Chairman Air Vice-Marshal Md Monjur Kabir Bhuiyan during a media consultative meeting held at HSIA this afternoon.

The 'Silent Zone' initiative is part of a broader effort by the interim government to reduce both noise and environmental pollution in and around the airport. 

Earlier, the government has declared 'Silent Zone' and imposed ban on single-use plastics at the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) and its surrounding areas from October 1 as part of a comprehensive initiative aimed at reducing noise and environment pollution.

As part of this initiative, a horn-free zone will be enforced and the use of single-use plastics will be banned at HSIA and its surrounding areas from October 1.

The horn-free zone will cover a 3-kilometer stretch from Le Méridien hotel to the Scholastica campus, encompassing the airport and adjacent areas.

The today's meeting was attended by media personnel as well as representatives from key stakeholders including Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC), Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA), Dhaka Traffic Police, Roads and Highways Department, the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, Bangladesh Truck and Covered Van Owners' Association, and Dhaka Road Transport Owners' Association.

During the meeting, participants presented their respective organizational plans and discussed feedback to ensure effective coordination for the 'Silent Zone' implementation. 

Strategies to eliminate the use of single-use plastics within and around the airport were also discussed.

Under the leadership of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan and the CAAB Chairman several measures have been planned to enforce the ‘Silent Zone’ initiative. 

These include the installation of awareness-raising banners and billboards, distribution of leaflets and media campaigns through electronic, print and social media, CAAB officials said.

In addition, speed control measures, proper parking management within the airport and strict enforcement of the no-horn rule through mobile courts will be implemented. The DNCC has already installed awareness signs along the roads, ensuring visibility even at night.

Leaflets will also be distributed at relevant terminals to educate drivers and promote an environmentally conscious driving culture.

The Department of Environment will lead public awareness campaigns on the harmful effects of noise pollution, encouraging active participation in the noise-reduction efforts.

From October 1, mobile courts will operate at three key-locations along the designated route for seven days with the possibility of extension, if needed. 

These courts will enforce the no-horn rule, with magistrates stationed at critical points at Le Méridien, the airport’s roundabout and Scholastica, supported by traffic police, volunteers, students, and representatives from transport associations, according to the CAAB sources.