Addressing Dhakas air pollution
It is worrying to note that Bangladeshs capital was ranked third worst in Air Quality Index (AQI) on Monday morning. Dhaka had a score of 197 at 9am, which means the citys air quality was classified as unhealthy. Vietnams Hanoi and Indias Delhi were at the top of the list with scores of 245 and 199 respectively. It is a fact that air pollution level in the capital Dhaka is taking an alarming turn day by day. Severe air pollution is affecting around 90 per cent of Dhaka city residents. Dust pollution tends to increase alarmingly in the dry season as brickfields run their operation in full swing and the civic bodies and the utility service providers are engaged in repair works.
There is no scope to ignore the diseases caused by air pollution every year. Perennial construction work and faulty garbage disposal system are the main reasons behind air pollution in the capital. There is hardly any respite from construction-related works such as concrete crushing and road stone crushing. Physicians have come up with repeated warnings to take measures to improve quality of air of the cities and towns to escape health hazards arising out of air pollution, but unfortunately, nothing tangible has been done to address this formidable problem.
Exposure to fine particles in polluted air that penetrate deep into the lungs and cardiovascular system causes stroke, heart disease, lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases and respiratory infections, including pneumonia. Children and elderly people are the worst victims of air pollution. After the withdrawal of two-stroke engines from the city roads, air quality of Dhaka city showed considerable improvement but it was short-lived. Engines of vehicles are releasing different kinds of micro-pollutants through the exhaust smoke.
It is high time for the relevant authorities to take up a comprehensive action plan to minimize air pollution in cities, particularly in the capital, in the interest of protecting public health. Effective coordination among various ministries and departments is needed for this. There is no scope for foot-dragging and dilly-dallying. If air pollution is checked it will cut down national health cost substantially. Our children who are the future citizens of the country should not be exposed to inhale polluted air and perish untimely.
