Chattogram needs urgent solution to dust pollution
Chattogram is well known due to its diverse natural aesthetics—with its mountainous terrain, flowing rivers and coastal plains. However, rapid urbanisation has been taking a toll on this city, home to the biggest seaport in Bangladesh. Various important establishments, diversification of trade and commerce, rise in population, and expansion of housing, businesses and industries continue to take place in the city every day. As an adverse effect of this "industrialisation," which is being done without following proper rules and regulations, the city and its residents have been suffering from excessive pollution for a long time. The air of Chattogram is now thick with dust and smoke. The increased presence of toxic particles in the air has led to a spike in various diseases—particularly respiratory problems like asthma.
The quality of air in an area or a region depends on the amount of fine dust—particulate matter—in it. The amount of particulate matter is measured in micrograms per cubic metre or parts per million (ppm). The Air Quality Index (AQI) is measured based on the presence of PM2.5 and PM10 (PM2.5 means particles are 2.5 micrometres in diameter and smaller, and PM10 means they are 10 micrometres and smaller), as well as the presence of pollutants like sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen dioxide. The higher the AQI score of a city is, the worse its air quality. Air with the AQI score above 100 is "mildly harmful," while air with AQI score above 150 is "unhealthy," above 200 is "very unhealthy," and above 300 is "extremely unhealthy."
Typically, the tolerable level of dust per cubic metre of air is 150 micrograms. But data from the Department of Environment (DoE) shows that as of November this year, the amount of dust in the air of different parts in Chattogram city averages more than 300 micrograms. There was a time when the haze of dust was visible only in the big streets, but now dust-filled air can be found in the alleys as well. The air is so polluted that it is sometimes difficult to tell the difference between dust and fog during the winter season. School-going students and pedestrians suffer the most. It is so bad that the leaves of trees on the side of the roads look grey because they are covered in dust.
The most dangerous particle is PM2.5. It not only causes haze, but it also affects temperature. According to the available data, 65 percent of the polluting substance in Chattogram's air is dust. Environmentalists say that dust pollution is exceeding the pollution caused by brick fields.
Dust pollution is mostly caused by development work—especially during the dry season. The authorities overseeing the development work do not adhere to the rules set to control pollution—i.e. sprinkling water regularly, for one. Even in the megaprojects, which are implemented with the funding of government and foreign agencies, the issue of environment is not given due importance, when protection of environment should be a priority in the planning of a development project.
According to Dr Md Shafiul Alam, professor at the Institute of Forestry and Environmental Sciences of Chittagong University (IFESCU), air pollution is increasing in the city due to demolition of old buildings and construction of new ones, dumping of construction materials right on the streets, etc to meet the demand for housing as the population keeps growing every year. The pollution is intensifying day by day due to the lack of coordination and non-compliance of environment service-friendly methods. According to health experts, high levels of PM in the city's air and prolonged exposure to dust can affect the arteries, respiratory system and nervous system in a human body. In addition, there are heightened risks of eye problems, indigestion, allergies and other viral diseases. Children are most at risk, followed by pregnant women. If the trend of air pollution continues, the rate of premature deaths will see a rise in Chattogram, they fear.
Chattogram's air pollution—especially dust pollution—needs to be addressed urgently. Planned urbanisation, orderly utility, drainage and road system development and renovation initiatives, coordination among different government and development agencies, and the use of air treatment plants should be considered and enforced as soon as possible. The current situation in Chattogram city is extremely unhealthy and detrimental to public health, and the authorities must make cleaning the city's air a priority.
Minhazur Rahman Shihab is a student at the Institute of Forestry and Environmental Sciences in Chittagong University.
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