Dhaka these days consistently ranks among the top three spots in being the most polluted city in the world. Presence of such fine particles in the air in the city not only affects daily life but also contributes to respiratory problems.
Dhaka scored 167 on the Real-time Air Quality Index (AQI) measured near the US Embassy in Dhaka at 5pm on Friday, which is categorized as unhealthy. Such a high score is likely to have many negative health impacts.
Winter has already gone and a less dry season is ongoing, yet the air of Dhaka city is heavy with dust pollution. The capital faces a similar situation every year, but there are still no real initiatives to tackle the recurring problem.
Authorities claim the pollution is a result of ongoing development and construction work such as the Metro Rail Project and Elevated Expressway Project throughout the city.
Abu Naser Khan, chairman of Poribesh Bachao Andolon (POBA) told Bangladesh Post that the construction projects need to follow the guidelines and rules provided. “The work takes numerous days with no maintenance of the waste or materials. Regular breaking down and reconstruction of roads is a major source of dust pollution. The projects need to come under more discipline,” he said.
Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) Mayor Atiqul Islam said, "A lot of dust is spreading in the air due to development work. Those who will do development work have the responsibility to control dust by sprinkling water. But in many cases they are not doing that. A letter has been sent from us. We will be tougher to stop dust pollution and unplanned digging.”
It is to be mentioned that there is no government authority in the country yet that is allocated to mend or take measures to control dust and air pollution in Dhaka and or anywhere in Bangladesh.
At the end of last year, authorities held a virtual meeting among different organizations, after the High Court ordered necessary steps to implement its nine-point directives to bring down air pollution levels in Dhaka and its nearby areas within 30 days.
The court order also included erecting barricades at all the construction or developing projects in hand in Dhaka, water to be sprayed twice in areas where such works are in progress, transportation of materials to be in covered vehicles, and formulate a guideline led by an environment secretary by forming a high-level committee.
In order to mend this situation some factors need to be considered such as closing all illegal and unplanned brickfields, as well as incineration industries surrounding Dhaka and adopting the habit of spraying water on roads frequently by city dwellers.