Air Pollution in Dhaka City of Bangladesh

Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh, is notorious for its high levels of air pollution. The city's population has been steadily growing, resulting in a significant increase in vehicular traffic, industrialization, and construction activities, all of which have contributed to the worsening air quality.

According to a study conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO), Dhaka is the second most polluted city in the world, after Delhi, India. The study found that the city's annual average PM 2.5 concentration was 97 µg/m3, which is almost ten times higher than the WHO's recommended level of 10 µg/m3. PM 2.5 refers to particulate matter that is 2.5 microns or less in diameter, which is considered harmful to human health as it can penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream.

The sources of air pollution in Dhaka are diverse and complex. Vehicular emissions are a major contributor, accounting for more than 60% of the total emissions. The city's public transport system is inadequate, leading to a high number of private vehicles on the roads. The old and poorly maintained vehicles on the streets of Dhaka also emit high levels of pollutants.

Industrial emissions are another significant source of air pollution in the city. Dhaka has a large number of small and medium-sized industries that are often located in residential areas, leading to the emission of pollutants such as particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide, and carbon monoxide.

Construction activities also contribute to the city's air pollution. The use of heavy machinery and the burning of construction materials release a significant amount of pollutants into the air.

The health impacts of air pollution in Dhaka are severe. According to a study by the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), air pollution is responsible for approximately 28,000 premature deaths in the city each year. It also contributes to a range of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, including asthma, bronchitis, and lung cancer.

The government of Bangladesh has taken some measures to address the issue of air pollution in Dhaka. These include the implementation of stricter emission standards for vehicles and the relocation of some industries from residential areas. The government has also introduced the use of compressed natural gas (CNG) as a cleaner fuel for vehicles.

However, more needs to be done to combat air pollution in Dhaka. The government needs to invest in public transport systems and promote the use of non-motorized transport such as cycling and walking. The relocation of industries from residential areas needs to be accelerated, and stricter measures need to be taken to enforce emission standards for vehicles and industries.

In conclusion, the air pollution crisis in Dhaka is a complex issue that requires a comprehensive and sustained response from the government, private sector, and civil society. The health and well-being of millions of people in the city are at stake, and urgent action is needed to address this issue.