Is there a way to fix Dhaka’s dust pollution?

Dust pollution is a perennial problem in Dhaka, Bangladesh. However, the phenomenon has worsened a great deal in the recent years.

The city, with its rapidly growing population, has seen an increase in industrialization, road construction, and vehicular traffic in recent years. These factors, along with poorly managed waste disposal systems, have contributed to the high levels of dust pollution in the city.

The dust particles suspended in the air contain a mixture of industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, and construction debris. These particles are inhaled into the lungs and can cause respiratory problems, such as asthma, bronchitis, and lung cancer. Dust pollution can also have a significant impact on the environment, including soil degradation and loss of vegetation.

Air pollution still remains one of the top-most challenges for Bangladesh and Dhaka has been ranked as the second most polluted city in the world with very unhealthy air quality on Sunday (February 8). Dhaka has long been grappling with air pollution issues. Its air quality usually turns unhealthy in winter and improves during the monsoon.

Air pollution consistently ranks among the top risk factors for death and disability worldwide. Breathing polluted air has long been recognised as increasing a person’s chances of developing a heart disease, chronic respiratory diseases, lung infections and cancer, according to several studies.

As per the World Health Organisation, air pollution kills an estimated seven million people worldwide every year, largely as a result of increased mortality from stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer and acute respiratory infections.

The capital has been facing the unwelcome situation for long, but there are still no visible signs that the recurring problem will be solved. During the dry season, Dhaka gathers thick layers of dust.

However, the dust levels can be kept at tolerable levels with proper initiatives. During the dry season, 58 per cent of the city’s total air pollution is caused by the brick kilns, according to the Department of Environment (DoE). Although previous drives against illegal brick kilns had not yielded expected results, experts believe it would be different this time around as there is an alternative to traditionally-used bricks in green bricks.

The authorities claim the pollution is the result of ongoing development and construction work throughout the city, such as the Metro Rail Project and Elevated Expressway Project. Surprisingly, there is no government authority in the country which is designated or liable to control dust and air pollution in Dhaka and elsewhere in Bangladesh. Consequently, no government body has a plan to tackle the dust pollution in the dry season.

There are several reasons why the problem of air pollution in Dhaka is not being solved.

Apparent lack of political will: Despite growing awareness about the negative impacts of air or dust pollution, the government has been slow to take meaningful action. This lack of political will to address the issue is a major barrier to solving the problem.

Insufficient monitoring and enforcement: The existing laws and regulations aimed at controlling dust pollution are often not enforced effectively, leading to widespread non-compliance. Additionally, there is limited monitoring of air quality in the city, making it difficult to track the extent of the problem.

Rapid urbanization: Dhaka is growing rapidly, with its population expected to reach 20 million by 2030. This rapid urbanization has led to an increase in industrialization, vehicular traffic, and construction activities, which are all major sources of air pollution.

Limited public awareness: Despite the serious health risks posed by air pollution, many residents in Dhaka remain unaware of the issue and its impacts. This lack of awareness makes it difficult to mobilize public support for action on air pollution.

Inadequate investment in clean technologies: The city lacks investment in clean technologies and alternative energy sources, which could help to reduce air pollution. The government needs to make a significant investment in these areas in order to reduce emissions from various sources.

Solving the problem of air pollution in Dhaka requires a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach that addresses each of these barriers. The government, local organizations, and the private sector all have a role to play in reducing air pollution and improving air quality in the city.

To mitigate the effects of dust pollution in Dhaka, the government has taken some measures such as limiting the number of vehicles on the roads and implementing stricter regulations on industrial emissions. However, much more needs to be done to address this problem.

One solution is to increase the amount of green spaces in the city. Planting more trees and creating more parks can help to reduce dust levels in the air, as well as provide a source of clean air for residents. The government can also invest in public transportation systems, such as buses and trains, to reduce the number of cars on the road and thus the amount of dust generated by vehicular traffic.

The writer is a journalist. He can be contacted at shamim.kabir93@gmail.com