Overall air quality status in Dhaka previously showed that winter was the most polluted season. But according to a study, things are changing in recent years. Air pollution in the city reaches “unhealthy” level even before the winter sets in, exposing its residents to health risks. According to an analysis of Air Quality Index data, Dhaka’s air remained unsuitable for breathing for more than half of last year. The analysis mentions that the air quality in Dhaka remained “very unhealthy” and “extremely unhealthy” for 197 days.
One does not need to be an expert to understand Dhaka’s environmental hazards that have been overwhelming this heaving capital over the years. Pollution and environmental challenges have occupied life and livelihood of the Dhakaities to a greater extent. In Dhaka, with every breath we take in, we inhale a number of poisonous particulates. Dhaka’s air is highly polluted mainly due to brick kilns, unfit vehicles and unusual growth of dust from construction works, rundown roads which are taking heavy toll on the public health. Air pollution used to take nearly 8,000 lives a year just three years back, now it causes death to more than 1 lakh people every year. Also the current level of air pollution is responsible for the rise of various diseases like lung problems, cancer, respiratory problems etc.
It’s time for the policymakers to understand
and underscore the need for formulating new
policies to improve Dhaka’s toxic air
It is not only people that suffer. Air pollution also damages nature and biodiversity. Clean air and water, healthy forests and a rich flora and fauna are necessary for a high quality of life, and must not be overlooked by policy makers just because they are difficult to value in monetary terms.
Improvements in energy efficiency, increased use of less-or non-polluting renewable sources of energy are examples of measures that will benefit both air quality and the climate. We, therefore, feel that all the city authorities including of the two city corporations should devise appropriate plans, ensure good governance and strictly enforce laws to reduce the extreme pollution in Dhaka. It’s time for the policymakers to understand and underscore the need for formulating new policies to improve Dhaka’s toxic air.
