Breathing the worst polluted air
The people in Dhaka breathe the most polluted air risking their lives to fatal health hazards. This has been revealed by the 'State of Global Air 2017' report recently launched by the US-based Health Effects Institute and Institute for Health Matrix and Evaluation. According to the report, during the period between 1990 and 2015, air pollution saw a meteoric rise in Delhi and Dhaka, securing them top two positions in the list of the worst polluted cities. Bangladesh is at the gravest risk of air pollution related dangers, according to the report. It is estimated that around 122,400 people die every year in Bangladesh as a result of air pollution.
The major reasons for high prevalence of harmful particles in city air are messy construction works, excessive use of coal in industries, emission from vehicles and outdated brick-kilns. The situation can be addressed by modernising brick kilns, strict enforcement of construction codes, shifting to less-polluting fuels. The authority can also consider replicating the example of Rajshahi city which successfully cut air pollution more than any other place in the earth in 2015. It nearly halved emission of smaller PM2.5 particles to 37 micrograms per cubic metre from 70. The extraordinary feat was achieved by taking a massive tree-planting drive, gradual shifting from diesel-run vehicles to battery-run three wheelers, updating brick kilns, and creating more and more pedestrian-friendly pavements across the city. But whatever needs to be done has to be done urgently. Things are getting worse with every passing day.
Comments