As per an official report of World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution kills an estimated seven million people worldwide every year.
In the international journal of “Engineering and Technology,” it has been written that according to the World Air Quality Report 2020, air quality of Bangladesh is the worst in the world, and Dhaka ranks second among the most air polluted cities. Now, as per a Dhaka Tribune report, Dhaka air quality index was 213, which makes it the second worst in the world, and makes the air quality poor or unhealthy. These statistics are very much concerning for the people of Bangladesh, especially when it is in relation to a middle-income country.
An AQI between 201 and 300 is said to be “poor,” while a reading of 301 to 400 is considered “hazardous,” posing serious health risks to residents.
In a Dhaka Tribune report, it has been mentioned that the largest deaths of the estimated seven million people are a result of increased mortality from stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and acute respiratory infections.
The Daily Star, in one of its reports, mentioned that polluted air is very dangerous for our health. Air pollution consistently ranks among the top risk factors for death and disability worldwide. Breathing polluted air has long been recognized as increasing a person’s chances of developing heart disease, chronic respiratory diseases, lung infections and cancer, according to several studies. Sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide are two abundant gases in the atmosphere, the levels of which are even increased through use of old vehicles. Sulphur oxide and nitrogen oxide can damage lungs and cause irritation to the eyes.
A report published in Dhaka Tribune by the Department of Environment (DoE) and the World Bank in March 2019 pointed out the three main sources of air pollution in Dhaka as “brick kilns, fumes from vehicles, and dust from construction sites."
In a Dhaka Tribune report, experts opined that exposure to a high level of air pollution weakens people’s respiratory and immune systems, which can cause different cold diseases, making them more vulnerable to Covid-19.
Poor air quality can cause disability besides death amongst people. In Bangladesh, we are still struggling to deal with disabled people, which should be a gross reason of concern for the government and people of Bangladesh.
Every problem needs a solution. According to a year-old The Business Standard report, the High Court’s directive of watering twice in dust prone areas of Dhaka City is not properly monitored. In reality, it is seen that the water is sprayed once in some areas, while absolutely no water is sprayed in some other areas. Now, as the HC order is not being implemented, the HC can file a condemnation of court against the Dhaka City Corporation Authorities, which they have the right to do, as per the law. By doing so, the court would ensure accountability of the government agencies who are not fulfilling their responsibilities, as it is a great health concern.
Poor efficiency of older engines, old vehicles
To prevent the use of poor efficiency of older engines the government has taken steps to ban the use of buses older than 20 years and trucks older than 25 years (ibid). Though this step has been taken, it would have to be agreed upon by the transport vehicles’ owners and workers. Moreover, it becomes difficult for them, as money and time are both needed for the implementation of the step.
The BRTA fitness procedure has been relaxed to the extent that the authorities do not even seem to check the fitness of the vehicles and provide the certificate. This has to be changed in order to improve the air quality of the hustle and bustle of the capital. Now, the road and transport ministry along with city corporations can work hand in hand to actively monitor this issue concerning the wellbeing and health of the people living in Dhaka. Moreover, people can wear masks to keep them safe from the dust and Covid-19 at the same time.
Muhammed Rubayet is a Lecturer of English at Shanto-Mariam University of Creative Technology. He can be reached at [email protected].
