Dhaka, the bustling capital of Bangladesh, is grappling with a severe air pollution crisis. At the beginning of 2024, the city found itself at the top of the list for the worst air quality in the world, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) reading of 257. This alarming level of pollution, classified as very unhealthy, poses significant risks to the health of Dhaka’s residents.
From respiratory infections to heart disease and lung cancer, the consequences of breathing such polluted air are dire. The government has put forth numerous plans to address this issue, but poor enforcement and overlapping initiatives have hindered progress.
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Experts are now calling for a shift in focus, emphasizing the need for strict policy implementation to effectively combat this public health emergency. It is clear that urgent action is needed to protect the well-being of Dhaka’s citizens and ensure a cleaner, healthier future for the city.
Primary Sources of Air Pollution
Dhaka, finds itself grappling with a formidable challenge – the pervasive and detrimental effects of air pollution. This complex issue stems from a multitude of sources, each contributing to the city’s deteriorating air quality.
Among the most significant culprits are vehicle emissions, with countless aging and poorly maintained vehicles belching out copious amounts of noxious pollutants into the atmosphere. According to a government study done in 2019, the number of vehicles running without any fitness in Dhaka is approximately half a million.
The industrial sector, particularly the numerous brick kilns dotting the city’s periphery, also bears a heavy responsibility. These kilns, fueled by coal and an array of other materials, spew forth a constant stream of harmful particles, further exacerbating the already dire situation.
The rapid pace of urbanization and the incessant demand for infrastructure development have only compounded the problem. Construction sites, with their clouds of dust and particulate matter, add to the ever-growing miasma of pollution that hangs over the city. It is also the largest cause of pollution, according to a study by the Centre for Atmospheric Pollution Study (CAPS).
The uncontrolled and often haphazard digging of roads, a byproduct of this relentless expansion, further undermines any efforts to improve air quality. Even the most intimate spaces are not spared, as household activities such as burning wood for cooking contribute to indoor air pollution, which inevitably seeps out and mingles with the already-burdened outdoor air.
Lack of Improvement Over the Years
Dhaka’s air pollution problem has persisted over the years due to a complex interplay of factors, despite the existence of various plans aimed at mitigating the issue. Compounding the issue is the lack of coordination among the various government agencies tasked with addressing air pollution. Different departments often find themselves with overlapping responsibilities, leading to inefficiencies and a lack of a unified approach to tackling the problem head-on. This absence of a cohesive strategy has hampered efforts to enforce regulations and implement effective solutions.
Corruption and vested interests have further muddied the waters, with some polluting industries continuing to operate with impunity due to political and economic pressures. This has created a situation where decisive action against violators is difficult to come by, allowing the problem to persist unchecked.
Lack of accountability is also a serious issue, between 2017 and 2021, Bangladesh received an astounding 2.3 billion dollars in grants specifically to tackle air pollution. Yet, where this money has gone? and why Dhaka remains the most polluted city in the world? These are questions that have no answers.
In the end, Dhaka’s unrelenting air pollution can be attributed to a combination of inadequate enforcement, rapid and unchecked urbanization, uncontrolled industrial growth, and a lack of effective governmental coordination. To truly address these challenges and make meaningful progress, a strong and united effort, coupled with unwavering adherence to environmental regulations, will be necessary.
Policy Adaptions
To effectively combat Dhaka’s severe air pollution, a multifaceted approach involving several key policies is necessary. The government must enforce stricter regulations on vehicle emissions, phase out older, high-emission vehicles, and promote cleaner public transportation options. Incentives for electric and hybrid vehicles can also reduce pollution from transportation.
The industrial sector, particularly brick kilns, requires reforms to curb emissions. Transitioning to modern, energy-efficient technologies like improved zigzag kilns, supported by government subsidies and technical assistance, can reduce emissions. Halting new coal-based power plants and promoting renewable energy sources are also essential.
Construction sites contribute to air pollution through dust. Regulations mandating proper management of construction debris, along with strict monitoring and penalties by the Department of Environment, can minimize dust emissions.
Conclusion
Dhaka’s air pollution remains a critical issue that continues to affect the lives of millions of residents, despite various efforts to address the problem. The air quality in the city remains hazardous, posing significant health risks to its inhabitants.
To effectively combat this issue, stricter regulations on vehicle emissions must be implemented, and industrial practices must undergo a transition towards cleaner and more sustainable methods.
Public awareness campaigns and coordinated actions from the government are also vital in improving air quality and protecting public health. The well-being and future of Dhaka’s population depend on the successful implementation of these necessary steps to combat pollution and create a cleaner, healthier environment for all.
