Visual pollution and its impacts

Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh, is plagued by an ever growing problem of visual pollution. The uncontrolled growth of billboards, posters, and other forms of outdoor advertising has created a chaotic and unsightly urban environment. This visual clutter not only affects the aesthetics of the city but also poses a significant threat to public safety and health.

The issue of visual pollution is particularly acute in the commercial areas of the mega city. The towering billboards, brightly lit neon signs, and flashing LED displays make it difficult for people to navigate the streets and find their way around. Pedestrians and drivers alike are bombarded with a constant barrage of distracting visual stimuli, which can lead to accidents and traffic congestion.

Furthermore, the excessive use of outdoor advertising has turned the cityscape into a haphazard and chaotic jumble of colours, images, and messages that overwhelm the senses and create a sense of visual fatigue. The Business Post recently ran a report stating that visual pollution causes eye fatigue to one fourth of the people living in Dhaka.

According to a recent study by Environment and Social Development Organisation (ESDO), one in every four persons is suffering from eye fatigue and eye strain in Dhaka due to visual pollution and children are the worst victims.

Around 4.26 million, or 24.37 per cent, of the Dhaka dwellers aged between 10 and 59 suffer from eye fatigue due to visual pollution, which rarely comes under much discussion. Moreover, every year, an estimated 2,70,000 children in Dhaka suffer from eye fatigue and severe headaches.

The study was conducted between June 2021 and June 2022 at several locations around Dhaka city such as eye hospitals, construction sites, schools, colleges, universities, and office premises. ESDO interviewed patients of eye hospitals, school-going children, students of schools and colleges, construction workers, drivers, and doctors.

In addition to the aesthetic and safety concerns, visual pollution also has significant environmental implications. The production, installation, and maintenance of billboards and other outdoor advertising materials generate a significant amount of waste and consume vast amounts of energy. The use of non-biodegradable materials and hazardous chemicals in the manufacturing process further exacerbates the environmental impact.

To address this growing problem, it is imperative that the city authorities take decisive actions. The government should develop and enforce strict regulations regarding the use of outdoor advertising in the city. The rules should include restrictions on the number, size, and location of billboards and other forms of outdoor advertising. The authorities should also enforce penalties for non-compliance and work closely with advertisers to promote sustainable and eco-friendly advertising practices.

It is also crucial to raise public awareness about the negative impact of visual pollution on the urban environment. Citizens must be educated about the importance of preserving the natural beauty of the city and the need to reduce the visual clutter that is impeding our daily lives.

Be that as it may visual pollution is a serious problem that is degrading the quality of life in Dhaka. The government, advertisers, and citizens must work together to find effective solutions to this issue. By adopting sustainable and responsible advertising practices, we can create a cleaner, safer, and more visually appealing city that we can all be proud of.