DESPITE repeated appeals by different social and environmental organizations, the authorities concerned haven’t yet taken sustainable measures to check the air pollution. Our capital Dhaka still preserves the title of world’s worst city in Air Quality Index. It had a score of 242, which means the air quality was ‘very unhealthy’. If the AQI value remains between 201 and 300, the city dwellers may experience its adverse effects on health. It is nothing new that — Dhaka has been grappling with air pollution. There are many reasons for deteriorating air quality. Over a thousand of brick kilns have been step up in and around the city and that is one of the major reasons behind making the air quality terrible. Series of construction works – especially public constructions like flyovers and road repairing — are other major reasons. Vehicles run on fuel with higher level of sulfur which has been identified as another source of air pollution in the city.
While public infrastructure projects can’t use water trucks regularly to spray water on the roads during construction, they should be compelled to do so. Besides, a drastic solution is needed for the brick kilns. These should be relocated to areas with at least a 50 km radius outside of capital. Country’s apex court recently directed to stop activities of all brick kilns adjacent to Dhaka, but the directive was not properly followed by many. Despite the enactment of a law in 2018 to make these kilns environment friendly, a recent report indicated that of the 7,772 brick kilns in the country, 2,123 have not converted to the required modern and environment-friendly technology. Interestingly, DNCC mayor a few days ago announced that he would initiate an action against the organizations those pile up construction materials beside the road contribute to air pollution.
It’s our common habit that – we usually don’t pay any heed until the problem goes beyond control.
