Air pollution has emerged as a critical public health and environmental issue in Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh.
With its rapidly growing population, unchecked urbanisation, and burgeoning vehicular traffic, Dhaka frequently ranks among the most polluted cities globally.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) in recent years has consistently indicated hazardous levels, leading to severe consequences for the health and well-being of its citizens.
Air pollution in Dhaka is not a new phenomenon.
Historical data show a progressive deterioration of air quality over the past three decades.
In the 1990s, Dhaka’s air was already classified as polluted due to industrial emissions and vehicular exhaust. However, the situation worsened exponentially in the 2000s with rapid urban expansion and increased reliance on fossil fuels.
The World Bank reported in 2019 that the concentration of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in Dhaka’s air was more than 15 times higher than the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended limit.
Winter months consistently see the worst air quality due to temperature inversions that trap pollutants close to the ground.
Recent AQI readings in winter often exceed 300, categorising Dhaka’s air as “Hazardous”.
Comparisons with other cities globally reveal Dhaka as a regular contender for the dubious distinction of the world’s most polluted city.
Dhaka’s air pollution crisis is emblematic of challenges faced by many rapidly urbanising cities in developing nations.
In comparison to cities like Beijing, Delhi, and Karachi, Dhaka’s pollution levels are similar but often surpass them in terms of sustained poor air quality.
For instance, while Beijing has implemented stringent pollution control measures and seen significant improvement, Dhaka’s progress has lagged.
Globally, developed cities such as London, Tokyo, and New York have successfully reduced air pollution through stringent regulations, public awareness campaigns, and technological advancements.
In contrast, Dhaka’s lack of robust governance and insufficient infrastructure have hindered its ability to address the issue effectively.
The detrimental effects of air pollution on Dhaka’s residents are profound and multifaceted.
Respiratory diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and bronchitis are on the rise.
Cardiovascular problems, including heart attacks and hypertension, have been linked to prolonged exposure to polluted air.
Vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing conditions suffer disproportionately.
The health costs associated with treating pollution-related diseases place a significant financial burden on families and the healthcare system.
Reduced productivity due to illness and absenteeism affects economic output.
Air pollution contributes to reduced visibility and damage to vegetation and water bodies.
Pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (NOx) and sulphur dioxide (SO2) lead to acid rain, further harming ecosystems.
The causes of Dhaka’s air pollution are both anthropogenic and natural, with human activities being the dominant factor.
The growing number of vehicles, many of which are poorly maintained, contributes significantly to pollution. Traffic congestion exacerbates emissions due to prolonged idling.
Unregulated brick kilns around Dhaka are a major source of PM2.5 and PM10.
Factories in the garment and leather industries emit pollutants due to the use of outdated technologies.
Massive infrastructure projects release large quantities of dust into the air. Poor enforcement of dust control measures aggravates the situation.
Open burning of waste, including plastic, releases toxic fumes.
Winter smog is intensified by crop residue burning in surrounding rural areas.
The Bangladesh government has taken several initiatives to address the growing air pollution crisis in Dhaka.
Policies have been introduced to phase out highly polluting two-stroke engines and replace them with cleaner alternatives.
The Department of Environment (DoE) has implemented stricter emission standards for vehicles and industries, although enforcement remains a challenge. Efforts are underway to modernise brick kilns, transitioning them to energy-efficient and less polluting technologies.
Additionally, the government has launched the Clean Air and Sustainable Environment (CASE) project, which aims to strengthen air quality management and promote sustainable urban development.
Investments in public transportation, such as the Dhaka Metro Rail project, are expected to reduce vehicular congestion and emissions over time.
Awareness campaigns and tree plantation drives are also being encouraged to involve citizens in the fight against air pollution.
Despite these measures, the scale of the problem requires more robust and sustained action.
However, the effectiveness of these initiatives has been limited. Air pollution levels continue to rise, indicating that the measures taken so far have not been sufficient to counteract the growing crisis.
Weak enforcement of policies, lack of coordination among stakeholders, and insufficient public awareness contribute to the persistence of the problem.
Addressing Dhaka’s air pollution requires a multi-pronged approach involving government action, community participation, and technological innovation. Enforce stricter emission standards for vehicles and industries.
Shut down illegal brick kilns and incentivise the adoption of cleaner technologies. Invest in efficient public transport systems to reduce reliance on private vehicles. Implement urban green spaces to act as carbon sinks.
Introduce air quality monitoring systems to provide real-time data.
Encourage the use of renewable energy sources in industries and households. Launch campaigns to educate citizens about the health risks of air pollution and ways to reduce their exposure.
Promote waste segregation and discourage open burning. Learn from successful case studies in other cities that have tackled air pollution effectively.
Seek financial and technical assistance from international organisations.
The air pollution crisis in Dhaka is a severe and growing challenge that demands urgent attention.
The historical trends, global comparisons, and devastating impacts underscore the need for immediate and sustained action.
While the causes are complex and multifaceted, solutions are within reach if all stakeholders work together. With robust policies, innovative technologies, and active public engagement, Dhaka can aspire to cleaner air and a healthier future for its citizens.
The journey will be arduous, but the rewards—a livable and sustainable city—are well worth the effort.
