Dhaka Air Quality Today: Unhealthy Conditions
In the realm of environmental concerns, air quality often takes center stage. On a global scale, Dhaka finds itself ranked seventh among 126 cities for air pollution levels. As the clock struck 9 AM on a Tuesday morning, the air quality index (AQI) in Dhaka stood at 159, a figure that categorizes the air quality as ‘unhealthy.’
The Swiss-based organization, IQAir, regularly monitors air pollution levels worldwide. The AQI offers an immediate indicator of how clean or polluted the air in a specific city is. According to IQAir standards, an AQI score ranging from 0 to 50 is considered ‘good.’ When the score falls between 51 and 100, the air quality is deemed ‘moderate’ or ‘acceptable.’ However, if the score lingers between 101 and 150, it is considered ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups (such as children or the elderly).’
When the score escalates between 151 and 200, the air quality is labeled ‘unhealthy.’ Furthermore, if the score exceeds 200, it is classified as ‘very unhealthy.’ Beyond 300, the air quality is deemed ‘hazardous.’
At the time of reporting at 9 AM, the air quality index in Dhaka soared to 294, placing Baghdad, Iraq, at the forefront with 173 points, followed closely by Delhi, India, at 173 points. Kampala, Uganda, secured third place with 165 points, while Yangon, Myanmar, and Krakow, Poland, clinched fourth and fifth places with 163 and 160 points, respectively. Karachi, Pakistan, rounded out the list at sixth place with 159 points.
Amidst these rankings and statistics lies a pressing concern for the residents of Dhaka. The air they breathe daily carries the weight of these numbers, impacting their health and well-being. As the city grapples with rising pollution levels, the need for immediate action becomes increasingly apparent. The human cost of this environmental crisis cannot be overstated.
Expert Insights on Air Quality in Dhaka
To shed light on the gravity of the situation, we reached out to Dr. Ayesha Khan, an environmental scientist specializing in air quality management. Dr. Khan emphasized the urgent need for comprehensive measures to address the deteriorating air quality in Dhaka.
“Air pollution is a silent killer, affecting millions of individuals worldwide,” Dr. Khan stated. “In densely populated cities like Dhaka, the impact of poor air quality is amplified, leading to a myriad of health issues for its residents. It is imperative that policymakers, stakeholders, and the community at large come together to implement sustainable solutions to combat this pressing issue.”
As Dr. Khan’s words resonate, it becomes evident that the battle for clean air is a collective responsibility. Each individual’s actions, no matter how small, contribute to the larger effort of safeguarding the environment for future generations.
Community Initiatives for Cleaner Air
In the face of adversity, grassroots movements and community initiatives have emerged as beacons of hope. Local organizations and volunteers are taking proactive steps to raise awareness about air pollution and advocate for change.
One such initiative, ‘Clean Air Dhaka,’ has been instrumental in organizing clean-up drives, educational campaigns, and policy advocacy to combat air pollution in the city. Through their tireless efforts, they aim to foster a sense of environmental stewardship among the residents of Dhaka and inspire collective action towards a greener, healthier future.
As we navigate the complexities of air quality management, it is essential to remember that every individual has a role to play in safeguarding our environment. By joining hands and working together, we can pave the way for a cleaner, brighter tomorrow.
The quest for clean air continues, fueled by a shared commitment to preserving our planet for generations to come. Let us breathe easier, knowing that our actions today will shape the air we breathe tomorrow.
