A green Dhaka is what matters not a dirty one

THE sufferings of city dwellers become never ending. They have to face waterlogging in the rainy season while it is impossible to move without taking dust and vehicles’ emission through the nostrils in the dry season. A government report said the quantity of dust in Dhaka’s air is three times higher than tolerable level. As a consequence, the residents are running the risk of various health problems.

The Global Air Report 2017 said Dhaka ranked second on a global list of cities with worst air pollution, which claims 1,22,400 lives in Bangladesh a year. The World Health Organisation in its latest report also mentioned Dhaka as fourth dirtiest city in the world. The WHO identified 91 dirty cities of 25 countries. Of them, three cities are Dhaka, Narayanganj and Gazipur.

Physicians warned that dusty air contains led, urea, parabean and some other poisonous materials which are very harmful. It’s a matter of great concern that people are moving in such unhealthy condition finding no other way. As per the statistics, about 92 thousand people die every year in our country only due to air pollution. Of them, 13,100 die only in Dhaka. So, there is no need to elaborate breadth and length of the danger. Different types of pollution such as air pollution, water pollution, noise pollution, land pollution and radioactive pollution are constantly contributing in various chronic diseases. Sometimes it becomes fatal.

A local daily reported that dust-layers are now seen on trees, houses and other road-side establishments in different parts of the city. The tree-leaves become pale and gray, not green. The restaurants and eateries are also facing an unhygienic situation.

Both the Dhaka North and South City Corporations earlier had announced to make the city green. They also announced about taking a bunch of plans in this regard. But we don’t see any initiatives to protect the city dwellers from the pollution. Even the water therapy taken by the city corporations failed to bring any positive result.

At present, Dhaka has turned into an unlivable city. We think, it becomes essential to protect the capital from air, sound, water and other pollutions in an emergency basis. The city corporations must steep up efforts, including water spraying and road cleansing, to make the city livable.

Besides, the authorities must ensure implementation of environmental law. There is no way except taking stern action who are responsible for polluting the city. We want a green Dhaka, not a dirty one.