As winter creeps in, the pollution level in the capital has already started reaching its extreme level due to uncontrolled discharge of dust from construction works and road digging, posing serious health risks to the city dwellers.
On Monday, Dhaka’s air quality index (AQI) was recorded at 179. The air was classified as ‘unhealthy’. An AQI between 101 and 200 is considered ‘unhealthy’, particularly for sensitive groups.
On January 1 this year, the High Court criticised the authorities concerned for their failure in taking effective measures to control air pollution in Dhaka and surrounding areas despite its repeated directives. But the Department of Environment (DoE), Dhaka North City Corporation, Dhaka South City Corporation, Gazipur City Corporation and Narayanganj City Corporation have not taken any effective steps to reduce air pollution yet.
Relevant laws should be enforced
strictly to force the builders and
constructors to build roads and buildings following
rules and regulations
Air pollution is considered one of the top risk factors for death and disability worldwide. Breathing polluted air increases chances of developing heart disease, chronic respiratory diseases, lung infections and cancer, various studies say. According to the World Health Organisation, air pollution kills an estimated seven million people worldwide every year, largely as a result of increased mortality from stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer and acute respiratory infections.
Dust pollution is on the rise because of lack of good governance, preventive measures, action plans, initiatives and enforcement of law. The authorities concerned must spray water on major roads in the capital Dhaka and two other metropolitan cities to control dust immediately. In this regard, DoE and city corporations should hold meetings with relevant departments and agencies to reduce dust pollution with coordinated efforts
immediately.
Besides, relevant laws should be enforced strictly to force the builders and constructors to build roads and buildings following rules and regulations. Needless to say, city dwellers will have to suffer a lot and brace for terrible dust pollution if proper steps are not taken to deal with it as early as possible.