People residing in various areas in Dhaka are exposed to nightmarish experiences as they have been facing environmental hazards for long because of air pollution. Over the last years, air pollution has turned into a major public health concern in the capital. Dhaka has repeatedly been labelled as one of the 10 most polluted cities in the world but it is discouraging to note that city authorities hitherto have not taken any consistent and prudent action to address air pollution in the capital.
It is good to note that the Environment, Forest and Climate Change ministry has recently prepared the draft of the ‘Air Pollution Control Rules, 2021’ with the objective of preventing, controlling and reducing air pollution to protect the environment and public health. Reportedly, the draft rules cover various issues regarding controlling air pollution. According to the draft, the DoE’s Director General (DG) can take steps against industries and activities which are extremely harmful to the environment and public health.
Policymakers should
understand and underscore
the need for
formulating new policies
to improve
Dhaka’s toxic air
Pollution and environmental challenges have occupied life and livelihood of the Dhakaities to a greater extent. It needs no emphasizing that Dhaka’s inherently dusty air is made worse by countless unregulated construction sites – and the production of bricks and concrete to feed them. Air pollution used to take nearly 8,000 lives a year just three years back, now it causes death to more than 1 lakh people every year. Also the current level of air pollution is responsible for the rise of various diseases like lung problems, cancer, respiratory problems etc.
Policymakers should understand and underscore the need for formulating new policies to improve Dhaka’s toxic air. Air pollution should be a key issue that authorities concerned must address in the sphere of sustainable construction. It is time to implement necessary laws to compel the builders and constructors to build roads and buildings following rules and regulations. The government, policy makers, civil society, the private sector and even individuals must play their role to control unusual growth of dust as well as other air pollutants.