The high level of air pollution in Bangladesh, which is the worst in the world, is reducing Bangladeshis' life expectancy by 6.8 years, revealed a global study. The Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago released its Air Quality Life Index (AQLI) report on Tuesday (29 August). The report said that South Asia is home to the world’s most polluted countries, with Bangladesh being the worst.
WHO recognises air pollution as the single biggest environmental threat to human health. Every year, exposure to air pollution is estimated to cause 7 million premature deaths. Reportedly, air pollution is responsible for about 20 per cent of the total premature deaths in Bangladesh and Dhaka is one of the world’s 10 worst cities in terms of air pollution.
Pollution and environmental challenges have occupied life and livelihood of the Dhakaities to a greater extent. Over the last years, air pollution has turned into a major public health concern in Dhaka and it has repeatedly been labelled as one of the 10 most polluted cities in the world and because of construction work going on the year round there is no sign of the situation improving any time soon.
The city planners should frame
appropriate strategies, ensure
good governance and strictly
enforce laws to reduce the
extreme pollution in Dhaka
Deaths from diseases related to air pollution have risen by 9 per cent over the last 20 years. children between the ages of 1-4 years and the elderly between 60-95 are the most vulnerable groups. However, our city authorities hitherto have not taken any consistent and prudent action to address air pollution in the capital.
It is worth mentioning that the current level of air pollution in Dhaka is responsible for the rise of various diseases like lung problems, cancer, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, respiratory problems etc. Policymakers should understand and underscore the need for formulating new policies to curb air pollution. Air pollution should be a key issue that authorities concerned must address in the sphere of sustainable construction.
It is time to implement necessary laws to compel the builders and constructors to build roads and buildings following rules and regulations. The government, policy makers, civil society, the private sector and even individuals must play their role to control unusual growth of dust as well as other air pollutants.
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 hope the city planners will frame appropriate strategies, ensure good governance and strictly enforce laws to reduce the extreme pollution in Dhaka.
