BMA spokesman Chanin Roongsang said Friday the agency had set both shortand longterm measures for reducing dust in the capital.

The BMA will be strict with all construction sites, requiring work to be covered by nets and having areas set aside for trucks to clean their tyres before leaving. Roads and footpaths will now be cleaned every day in downtown areas, Chanin said.

More trees will be planted on footpaths and traffic islands to help absorb dust particles in the air, he added.

For a longterm solution to the problem, the BMA will join with related agencies to check exhaust emissions from cars and ban those who exceeded the acceptable limit.

Five roads that are particularly bad are Sukhumvit Road in Watthana district, Taksin Road in Thon Buri, Rama I Road in Pathum Wan, Rama IX Road in Huai Khwang, and Yaowarat Road.

The BMA's Public Works Department has earmarked "Ddays" for cleaning seven main roads - including Rajdamnoen Avenue, Phra Nakhon and Rama I Road in Pathum Wan - next Monday and Wednesday.

Watthana district's Sukhumvit Road, Phya Thai's Phaholyothin Road, Bang Kapi's Ramkhamhaeng Road, Thon Buri's Taksin Road and Phetchakasem in Phasi Charoen district will be cleaned on March 7, 12, 14, 19 and 21, respectively.

The Nation