Dhaka Ranks Third in Global Cities with Worst Air Quality
On November 8, Dhaka was ranked third among cities worldwide with the worst air quality, according to a report. At 9:03 am on Saturday morning, the city recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) score of 187. This level of pollution is classified as ‘unhealthy’ based on the city ranking for air quality and pollution.
Delhi in India, Lahore in Pakistan, and Kuwait City in Kuwait occupied the top three positions in the list, with AQI scores of 673, 336, and 183, respectively. The AQI scale categorizes air quality into different levels. An AQI between 151 and 200 is considered ‘unhealthy’, while a score between 201 and 300 is labeled ‘very unhealthy’. Scores above 300 are classified as ‘hazardous’, which pose severe health risks to residents.
Understanding the AQI and Its Impact
The AQI is an index used to report daily air quality. It helps people understand how clean or polluted the air in a particular city is and what health effects might be associated with it. In Bangladesh, the AQI is calculated based on five key pollutants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and ozone.
Dhaka has long struggled with air pollution issues. The city’s air quality typically becomes unhealthy during the winter months and improves during the monsoon season. However, the recent rise in AQI levels highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the city in managing its air quality.
Government Efforts to Combat Air Pollution
Efforts to reduce air pollution in Dhaka have been focused on controlling dust, which is a significant contributor to the city’s poor air quality. According to Rizwana, a government representative, these initiatives aim to address the root causes of pollution and improve the overall environmental conditions in the city.
Despite these efforts, the problem remains complex due to factors such as industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, and construction activities. The government continues to explore new strategies to mitigate these challenges and ensure that the air quality in Dhaka meets acceptable standards.
Challenges and Future Outlook
The persistent issue of air pollution in Dhaka requires a multi-faceted approach. While the government has taken steps to reduce dust and other pollutants, more comprehensive measures are needed to tackle the underlying causes of pollution. Public awareness campaigns, stricter regulations on industrial and vehicular emissions, and investment in green technologies could play a crucial role in improving the city’s air quality.
In addition, collaboration between different sectors—government, private industry, and civil society—will be essential in creating a sustainable solution. By working together, stakeholders can develop effective policies and practices that protect public health and promote a cleaner environment.
Conclusion
Dhaka’s position as one of the cities with the worst air quality underscores the urgent need for action. While the city has made some progress in addressing pollution, much more needs to be done to ensure that its residents can breathe clean air. Continued efforts and innovative solutions will be vital in achieving this goal and improving the quality of life for all Dhaka residents.