| Share facebook | RSS

3
Comments

ambassador Report View

[ April Theme Report ] [ Air Pollution ] The Dark Cloud of Dhaka's Air Pollution: Causes, Consequences, and Urgent Solutions

by Tanzeel Rashid | 28-04-2023 19:32 recommendations 0



Dhaka, the bustling capital city of Bangladesh, is a melting pot of culture, commerce, and population density. However, beneath the surface lies a looming threat to the health and well-being of its residents – air pollution. The city's air quality index (AQI) regularly hits hazardous levels, making it one of the most polluted cities in the world. This article delves into the causes, consequences, and urgent solutions to the air pollution crisis in Dhaka.

Causes of Air Pollution in Dhaka

There are several sources of air pollution in Dhaka, with transportation, industry, and waste disposal being the primary culprits. The city's transportation sector, comprising old and poorly maintained vehicles, spews high levels of particulate matter (PM), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and sulfur dioxide (SO2) into the air. The industrial sector, particularly textile mills, leather tanneries, and brick kilns, releases toxic emissions that are directly released into the air without treatment or filtration. The construction sector also contributes to air pollution as heavy machinery generates dust and emissions. Lastly, open burning of waste, a prevalent practice in Dhaka, releases harmful pollutants into the air.

Consequences of Air Pollution in Dhaka

Air pollution has severe consequences for public health in Dhaka, with respiratory infections, heart disease, stroke, lung cancer, cognitive development, and mental health issues being the most prevalent. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Dhaka's air pollution levels exceed safe limits, leading to a significant increase in morbidity and mortality rates, particularly in children, pregnant women, and the elderly. The cumulative impact of air pollution affects every aspect of life in Dhaka, from outdoor activities to productivity.

Urgent Solutions to Air Pollution in Dhaka

To combat air pollution in Dhaka, urgent solutions are needed from all stakeholders. First, the government needs to invest in public transportation to reduce the number of personal vehicles on the road. Second, promoting cleaner fuels and technologies is essential, such as transitioning to electric vehicles, and stricter regulations should be enforced on industrial and construction activities to ensure emissions are appropriately treated and filtered. Third, there is a need for public awareness campaigns to educate residents on the dangers of air pollution and encourage individual actions such as reducing personal vehicle use and proper waste management.

Alternative text : A student covering her face as dust pollution reaches an alarming stage in Dhaka Mehedi Hasan/Dhaka Tribune Source : Dhaka Tribune
Photo : A student covering her face as dust pollution reaches an alarming stage in Dhaka Mehedi Hasan/Dhaka Tribune Source : Dhaka Tribune

 

no image

  • Dormant user Tanzeel Rashid
 
 
  • recommend

3 Comments

  • Yewon Mentor says :
    Hello Tanzeel! This is your mentor Yewon.

    Before I start, I apologize for the late comment.

    You have written a well-organized report about air pollution in Dhaka!
    I could learn a lot about the cause and consequences of air pollution in Dhaka, and also learned that many solutions should be needed to combat this problem.

    Thank you for your meaningful report! Great job!
    Posted 20-08-2023 12:34

  • James Mentor says :
    Hello Tanzeel! This is your mentor James.

    First of all, terribly sorry for the late comment!

    I see you've mentioned the concerning air pollution levels in Dhaka, Bangladesh. What a concisely written article with legible structure from cause, consequence, to solution! In my opinion, the government's role is quite substantial in improving the air quality. Effective law enforcement and determined financial investment in public transportation is indeed required.

    Thanks for writing such a meaningful report! Let's keep up the good work.
    Posted 26-05-2023 12:44

  • Menelik II PRINCE ZENGLE NTOUH RICHARD says :
    very interesting presentation of the situation in Dhaka, it allows us to immerse ourselves in the realities of air pollution as experienced in one part of the globe. i have never visited Dhaka, but i am in solidarity with the problem of pollution suffered by its population and i encourage you to facilitate the implementation of the solutions you propose for the well-being of the inhabitants of your city
    Posted 29-04-2023 20:04

Post a comment

Please sign in

Opportunities

Resources