Causes of Air Pollution in Dhaka
Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh, has recently been at the top of the list of most polluted cities in the world due to air pollution. Despite identifying the sources of air pollution, the lack of effective measures hinders any significant control over this pressing issue.
On Tuesday morning, Dhaka topped the charts for air pollution among 123 cities worldwide. The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Dhaka reached a staggering 253 at 9 am, indicating extremely unhealthy air quality. This alarming situation prompted immediate action from IQAir, a Switzerland-based organization specializing in air quality monitoring.
The Main Contributors to Air Pollution in Dhaka
The primary elements contributing to air pollution in Dhaka include high concentrations of particulate matter such as PM 2.5. The presence of PM 2.5 in Dhaka’s air is over 35 times higher than the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended levels, posing severe health risks to the population.
Experts point out that construction activities and road dust contribute to around 30% of air pollution in Dhaka. Additionally, industries and brick kilns contribute to 29%, vehicles to 15%, internal air circulation to 9.5%, household and cooking activities to 8.5%, and waste burning to nearly 8% of air pollution in the city.
Expert Insights and Solutions
To gain a deeper understanding of the sources and mitigation strategies for air pollution, I spoke with Dr. Ainun Nishat, a climate change expert and former Vice-Chancellor of Brac University. Dr. Nishat highlighted that while there are plans and strategies to combat air pollution, their implementation remains a challenge.
Dr. Nishat emphasized the need for more effective measures to control air pollution, such as regulating traffic congestion, limiting the use of old vehicles, and promoting alternative fuels. He also stressed the importance of improving construction practices and reducing dust emissions to curtail pollution levels in the city.
The Path Forward to Combat Air Pollution
Dr. Nishat further suggested various steps that can be taken to reduce air pollution, such as enforcing emission control measures, promoting the use of cleaner fuels, and enhancing green spaces and water bodies. Implementing these measures comprehensively can lead to a significant reduction in air pollution levels in Dhaka.
As Dhaka continues to grapple with the detrimental effects of air pollution, it is imperative for stakeholders to come together and take proactive steps towards a cleaner and healthier environment for all residents.
With over 25 years of research on air pollution at Dhaka University’s Chemistry Department, Professor Abdus Salam emphasized the urgent need for effective actions to address the escalating levels of air pollution in the city. Despite some governmental efforts, more decisive measures are required to combat this critical issue and safeguard public health.
As the clock ticks, it is crucial for policymakers, environmental agencies, and the public to join forces in implementing sustainable solutions to tackle air pollution effectively. Only through collective action and unwavering commitment can we pave the way for a cleaner and greener future for Dhaka.
