The government is taking steps to improve the air quality in the country, particularly in Dhaka, by framing new policy and guidelines. The capital Dhaka has ranked the 10th worst city in the Air Quality Index (AQI).
Due to the growing presence of dust particles in the air at the end of the monsoon season, the air quality in Dhaka turns worse in the winter season. In the last few years, the air quality of the city has deteriorated drastically due to the several ongoing infrastructure projects as well as construction work done around the city.
Unplanned and unchecked development in urban areas is to blame for the unacceptable levels of air pollution. The government has now taken the decision to supervise the construction sites more closely in order to combat air pollution.
From now on, if anyone builds something in the capital, the construction should be completed without any breaks. Otherwise, a fine would be charged for restarting the construction. Water must be sprinkled twice a day during construction phase to prevent flying dust from polluting the atmosphere.
Unplanned and unchecked development
in urban areas is to blame for the
unacceptable levels of air pollution
If construction materials are transported openly without any covering, legal action would be taken. A sharp drop in temperatures and wind speed, combined with vehicle and industrial emissions, dust from building sites and smoke from the burning of waste, has increased pollution in the capital.
It was also decided that the policy would include strict measures to control the burning of municipal waste along the roads. A preliminary decision was taken that regular mobile courts would be included in the policy to stop the pollution from smoke emitting vehicles.
We wholeheartedly welcome the government’s initiative to improve the air quality in the capital and in other areas. This will no doubt improve the quality of life of the citizens of the country. Moreover, deaths from air pollution will also be prevented in the future.
