Air pollution in Dhaka

It is disturbing to note that the World Health Organization (WHO) has ranked Dhaka as the third most polluted mega-city in the world. The list is topped by Delhi. The WHO data also shows that nine out of 10 people breathe air containing high levels of pollutants. The WHO estimates that around seven million people die every year from exposure to fine particles in polluted air that penetrate deep into the lungs and cardiovascular system, causing diseases including stroke, heart disease, lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases and respiratory infections, including pneumonia.

Air pollution level in the capital Dhaka is taking a dismal turn day by day. Thousands of people died and health of lakhs of people are damaged every year due to diseases caused by air pollution. Construction work and faulty garbage disposal system are the main causes of air pollution in the capital. There is no 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. Children and elderly people are bearing the brunt of the situation. They are suffering from various respiratory tract related ailments after breathing the polluted air. The people belonging to the low income group are the worst sufferers.

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. Due to the high level of air pollution in Dhaka, Gazipur and Narayanganj, the World Health Organization (WHO) has placed them on the list of 25 cities having the most polluted air in the world.

 It is high time for the authorities concerned 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.      

Air pollution in Dhaka

It is disturbing to note that the World Health Organization (WHO) has ranked Dhaka as the third most polluted mega-city in the world. The list is topped by Delhi. The WHO data also shows that nine out of 10 people breathe air containing high levels of pollutants. The WHO estimates that around seven million people die every year from exposure to fine particles in polluted air that penetrate deep into the lungs and cardiovascular system, causing diseases including stroke, heart disease, lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases and respiratory infections, including pneumonia. Air pollution level in the capital Dhaka is taking a dismal turn day by day. Thousands of people died and health of lakhs of people are damaged every year due to diseases caused by air pollution. Construction work and faulty garbage disposal system are the main causes of air pollution in the capital. There is no 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. Children and elderly people are bearing the brunt of the situation. They are suffering from various respiratory tract related ailments after breathing the polluted air. The people belonging to the low income group are the worst sufferers. 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. Due to the high level of air pollution in Dhaka, Gazipur and Narayanganj, the World Health Organization (WHO) has placed them on the list of 25 cities having the most polluted air in the world. It is high time for the authorities concerned 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.