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Environmental pollution and its control in Dhaka

Environmental pollution and its control in Dhaka

Environmental pollution has a great impact on human health, ecosystems, and financial development. Public health experts agree that environmental risks constitute 25 per cent of the burden of diseases. Peoples do not have adequate knowledge about the causes and consequences of environmental problems. More than half of the global premature deaths occur due to high air pollution in South Asian countries, especially in India, China, Bangladesh, Nepal, etc. The environmental degradation, such as air, water, land, and noise pollution, poses a danger to human health, ecosystems, and financial development. Rapid industrialization in developing countries has led to the emission of a range of toxic effluents directly into the soil, air, and water. Pollution badly affects the GDP growth of developing countries such as Argentina, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Brazil, China, Colombia, India, Laos, Morocco, Nepal, Pakistan, Peru, and Zambia, at national and local levels. These nations suffer from severe contamination annually, causing ill health, death, and disabilities in millions of people, as their economies largely depend on natural resources.

Urbanization, economic growth, motorized transport industrial sites are some of the driving forces behind environmental pollution noise exposure and health effects. Concentration of people in urban growth centers simultaneously increase the concentration of domestic and industrial activities that lead to pollution problem for urban and its surrounding areas.

Being situated in a developing country, Dhaka, the capital and major city of Bangladesh, is one of the most contaminated cities in this nation and the third most contaminated city in the world. Rapid urbanization and uncontrolled population growth create mismanagement of urban services and general environmental quality deterioration. More than 7 million people live in Dhaka, with a density of 49,182 people per sq. km. in a total area of 143 sq. km.

The rapid rate of urbanization and the enormous demands on urban utility services, waste disposal, transports, social services, etc. generates tremendous pressure on the geo-environment. The unplanned construction of roads, railways, flyovers, and buildings causes air pollution by spreading road dust and soil dust in the atmosphere. Highly polluted air reduces the city’s economic growth and poses severe health issues.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency, which ranked Dhaka as the fourth most polluted city with one of the lowest quality air globally and an index value of 195. According to the 2019 World Air Quality Report, Dhaka has the second-highest average annual PM2.5 concentrations (_g/m3) in the air. The city’s rivers are getting polluted due to industrial and domestic activities, sewerage, medical waste, municipal waste, discharge of toxic chemicals, etc. The soil pollution issue is not recognized correctly and ignored in various policy documents. Moreover, noise pollution is adversely affecting the urban environment and is causing a severe health hazard for the city dwellers.

Bangladesh is classic example of all the above characteristics of unplanned urbanization. Rapidly growing urban areas in Bangladesh is facing:

(1) Very bad ambient air and water quality.

(2) High incidence (more than 27 per cent) of the population living in extreme poverty

(3) Substandard housing conditions resulting from high land prices, insecurity of tenure, and lack of loan finance

(4) Non-availability of piped water in more than 80 per cent of the households.

In a recent study by a donor agency, a total of 400 respondents from 10 zones of Dhaka City Corporation, Bangladesh, were interviewed as a case study via a semi-structured questionnaire survey. The results revealed that only 39.0 per cent of respondents had explicit knowledge about environmental pollution. Air pollution was identified by 73.8 per cent, noise pollution by 63.0 per cent, water pollution by 55.2 per cent, and soil pollution by only 6.5 per cent of respondents in their surroundings. Automobiles, domestic activities, municipal garbage, and vehicle horns are significant sources of environmental pollutions. Around 49.0 per cent of the respondents did not understand the effectiveness of currently conducted environmental programmes.

The respondent in the study could identify through daily observation. Their answers revealed that air pollution was recognized by 73.8 per cent of respondents, noise pollution by 63.0 per cent, water pollution by 55.2 per cent, soil pollution by 6.5 per cent, and other pollution by 2.0 per cent of people.

The demographic characteristics, causes of environmental pollution, and the impact of the sources of water pollution, air pollution, soil pollution, and noise pollution were presented in tabular and graphical form for better understanding. The results showed that 39.0 per cent of the respondents had explicit knowledge about environmental pollution, while 73.8 per cent had explicit knowledge about air pollution, 63.0 per cent about noise pollution, 55.2 per cent about water pollution, and 6.5 per cent about soil pollution. It is interesting to note that about 49.0 per cent of the respondents did not understand the currently conducted environmental programmes’ effectiveness. The outcomes of the study are also similar to the pollution status of China, India, and Pakistan.

In order to overcome environmental pollution some strategies and policies at the local, institutional, and national levels need to be adopted. The rural-urban migration at the national level should be discouraged through creation of job opportunities in the rural areas. All the public amenities may be decentralised from Dhaka   and other major cities to encourage citizens to live in district towns and rural areas. Authorities have to generate employment opportunities in rural areas, using modern technology in agriculture, and establishing better healthcare centres and educational institutions all over the country. The RMG industries may be relocated outside the Dhaka city by providing transportation, utilities and livable townships in other suitable locations.

Relevant authorities may form environmental committee at the local level: Every city ward authority can create an environmental committee that directly discusses environmental information with the local people through leaflets, workshops, seminars, cleaning programs, etc. The waste management may be regulate for disposal, storage and arrange for conversion to fertilizer and energy from waste. A mandatory environmental awareness-related subject can be introduced in primary schools, where children will practice how to use resources and to clean their surrounding environments.

Environmental information based on documentaries, movies, advertisements, and drama can be made and shown on television and shared on social media, including YouTube, for mass awareness. Eco-friendly vehicles may be promoted with favorable taxation policy to reduce air and sound hazards. Building or construction sites must have a solid fence during construction. Road pavement, regular washing, cleaning, and water spraying, particularly in the dry season, can reduce the road’s dust. A huge number of local variety of trees inside and surrounding schools, parks, hospitals, markets, and recreational places can control noise pollution.

Government may take up the three Rs (reuse, reduce, and recycle) of resources such as water and other waste from the environment and save money. Reducing the emission of greenhouse gases and debris can help to build a sustainable environment for future generations.

People should be encouraged to mend and maintain their daily essential products and recycle them. Before starting any development works, the proper authority must assess the environmental effects. A skilled workforce should be recruited in the Department of Environment, Dhaka, Bangladesh, for its early evaluation process and surveillance. Another important aspect environment issue is that people ignore the existing environmental laws of this country.

The writer is a legal economist. He can be contacted at [email protected]

how to reduce air pollution in dhaka city

High Air Pollution Level is Creating Physical and Mental Health Hazards in Bangladesh: World Bank

DHAKA, December 4, 2022  — Exposure to high level of air pollution significantly raises the risks of breathing difficulties, cough, lower respiratory tract infections, as well as depression and other health conditions. Children under five years, elderly, and people with comorbidities such as diabetes, heart or respiratory conditions, are most vulnerable, says a new World Bank report launched today. 

The report ‘ Breathing Heavy: New Evidence on Air Pollution and Health in Bangladesh ’  assessed the impacts of outdoor air pollution on physical and mental health in Dhaka and Sylhet. To reduce air pollution impacts on health, the report recommended immediate actions, including improving public health services and response mechanisms, improving air pollution data monitoring systems, investing in early warning systems, and engaging in further research.

The report finds that the sites with major construction and persistent traffic in the Dhaka City have the highest level of air pollution. At these sites, the fine particulate matter (PM 2.5 ), which is considered most hazardous to health, is on average 150 percent above the WHO Air Quality Guidelines (AQG), which is equivalent to smoking about 1.7 cigarettes per day. The second highest concentration of PM 2.5 levels is found near brick kilns in Greater Dhaka, which is 136 percent above the WHO AQG – equivalent to smoking 1.6 cigarettes per day. 

Incidence of lower respiratory tract infections was significantly higher among children living near major construction and traffic sites than elsewhere in the country, including near brick kilns. Sylhet Division, which has the cleanest air in the country, still experiences average PM 2.5 concentration levels 80 percent above WHO AQG. This is equivalent to smoking 1.2 cigarettes per day. 

“Ambient air pollution puts everyone at risk, from a child to an elderly. In 2019, air pollution was the second largest cause of deaths and disability in Bangladesh and costed about 3.9 to 4.4 percent of the country’s GDP,”  said  Dandan Chen, Acting World Bank Country Director for Bangladesh and Bhutan.   “Addressing air pollution is critical for the country’s sustainable and green growth and development. Through analytical work and new investments, the World Bank is helping Bangladesh reduce air pollution .”

Air pollution caused  about  78,145–88,229 deaths   in Bangladesh in 2019. While air pollution levels within the country vary significantly, the concentration of PM 2.5 in all the regions is significantly above the threshold recommended by the WHO Air Quality Guidelines. Dhaka is the most polluted division while Sylhet is the least polluted. From 2018 to 2021, Dhaka was ranked as the second most polluted city in the world. The western regions (Khulna and Rajshahi) are more polluted than the eastern ones (Sylhet and Chattogram). In the Dhaka division, in addition to local pollution sources, up to one-fifth of the total PM 2.5 concentration comes from transboundary sources. 

A one percent increase in exposure to PM 2.5 over WHO’s AQG can result in a 12.8 percent increase in the probability of a person experiencing breathing difficulties, a 12.5 percent increase in the probability of having wet coughs, and an 8.1 percent higher risk of contracting lower respiratory tract infections. Air pollution also affects mental health. Depression is most reported in locations with major construction and persistent traffic. The study finds that a one percent increase in exposure to PM 2.5 above the WHO AQG is associated with a 20 percent higher probability of being depressed.

“ Air pollution causes the climate to change, and climate change worsens the air quality. Over time, climate change and urbanization will further intensify air pollution ,” said  Wameq Azfar Raza, World Bank Health Specialist and the lead of the report . “The health sector needs to be well prepared to deal with the imminent health crisis arising from air pollution and climate change.”

Urgent actions will include improving the public health service platform to provide curative care and promoting preventive health care. Community-level screening for persistent coughs and breathing difficulties for people living in air pollution hotspots will help the government address emerging health issues. Close monitoring of air quality data and further research will help devise effective measures to deal with the health impacts of air pollution. 

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COMMENTS

  1. Bangladesh Needs Urgent Actions to Curb Air Pollution

    Phase 1: Sets the condition for airshed wide coordination by expanding the monitoring of air pollution beyond the big cities, sharing data with the public, creating or strengthening credible scientific institutes that analyze airsheds, and taking a whole-of-government approach.

  2. Cleaning Dhaka and Bangladesh's Air

    STORY HIGHLIGHTS The Clean Air and Sustainable Environment project (CASE) is the first program of its kind to tackle pollution from two of the country's biggest polluters, brickfields and transport. The project pilots clean and energy efficient brick kiln technologies and improve the government's air quality management capacity.

  3. Environmental pollution and its control in Dhaka

    Highly polluted air reduces the city's economic growth and poses severe health issues. The United States Environmental Protection Agency, which ranked Dhaka as the fourth most polluted city with one of the lowest quality air globally and an index value of 195.

  4. High Air Pollution Level is Creating Physical and Mental Health Hazards

    To reduce air pollution impacts on health, the report recommended immediate actions, including improving public health services and response mechanisms, improving air pollution data monitoring systems, investing in early warning systems, and engaging in further research.

  5. Urban pollution: Dhaka, Bangladesh

    8 Mins Read Urban pollution is a pressing issue that affects cities worldwide, and Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, stands as a stark example of the challenges that densely populated urban areas face.

  6. Improving Air Quality in Dhaka: A Dire Need for Sustainable ...

    Some of the proposed solutions include: Promotion of Public Transportation: Encouraging the use of public transportation, such as buses, trains, and rickshaws, to reduce the number of vehicles on...

  7. Effective policy measures should be taken to reduce air and plastic

    The GoB should halt new coal-based power plants, incentivise renewable energy, establish widespread air quality monitoring through the Department of Environment (DoE) and raise public awareness about the detrimental impacts of pollution on human well-being.

  8. PDF Chronic air pollution and health burden in Dhaka city

    pollution), we calculated the accrued burden of disease imposed by the current and long-lasting pollution levels in Dakha city. These estimates showed that the mean and 95% CI increase in prevalence due to the detrimental Air Quality Index would be 36% for stroke (16.8-46.2%), 40.5% for ischemic hear disease (26.2-60.5%), 35% for COPD ( 22.1-48 ...

  9. A sustainable way to reduce air pollution

    The technologies that can readily be employed are the Improved Zigzag Kiln, Hoffman Kiln, Hybrid Hoffman Kiln (HHK), Tunnel Kiln, and the Vertical Shaft Brick Kiln (VSBK).

  10. Chronic air pollution and health burden in Dhaka city

    In light of the recent infectious epidemics that are already taking a major health toll in Dhaka, if proper measures to effectively reduce the overwhelming ambient pollution are not urgently implemented, major surges in cardiovascular and respiratory mortality and morbidity will impose additional tolls on an already overwhelmed and decompensated...

  11. What is Bangladesh doing to combat air pollution?

    The DoE says 71.64% brick kiln use technology that reduce emissions. There are at least 7,933 brick kilns in the country, with over 1,000 around Dhaka. The Clean Air Act, presented back in February, has yet to be passed in parliament. DoE made a GIS database to monitor all the brick kilns in the country.

  12. PDF Air Pollution in Dhaka City: Its Sources, Impact and Mitigation

    INTRODUCTION The air we breathe is under attack in today's modern society as a result of excessive air pollution. Cities all across the world, including the busy streets of Dhaka, Bangladesh, are battling the pervasive problem of dirty air.

  13. PDF Reducing Air and Plastic Pollution

    2021 according to IQAir, and Dhaka had the worst air quality of any city in 2021. Pollution poses a significant challenge for the country, in terms of both health outcomes and potential economic losses. Health problems associated with air pollution are responsible for reducing life expectancy in Bangladesh by 6.8 years on average.

  14. Dhaka Air Quality Index (AQI) and Bangladesh Air Pollution

    SEE WORLD AQI RANKING #1 Air Quality App Free iOS and Android air quality app Learn More Now! US AQI 251 live AQI index Very unhealthy Overview What is the current air quality in Dhaka? !

  15. Covered in unhealthy dust and smoke, Dhaka sees air pollution worsen in

    The air quality sometimes improves to an acceptable level during summer or monsoon rains in Dhaka, but when winter arrives, the city of noise and pollution rises to the top of the list of ...

  16. (PDF) Indoor Air Pollutants and Respiratory Problems among Dhaka City

    The indoor pollutants were carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbon, formaldehyde and nitrogen dioxide. Results: The indoor air the pollutants which were found to be at higher levels in the ...

  17. Dhaka becomes city with world's most polluted air Sunday morning

    Bangladesh capital Dhaka has been identified as the city with the most polluted air globally, recording an Air Quality Index score of 257, categorizing its air as 'very unhealthy'. This alarming status underscores the severe environmental challenges faced by the city's residents, with air pollution posing significant health risks.

  18. Where Does Bangladesh and Dhaka's Air Pollution Come From?

    But This Data Is From 2014?! Since 2014, Bangladesh has seen an increase in construction. There have also been programs to reduce pollution from brick kilns. This means that brick kilns may now contribute less to Dhaka's air pollution than previously, and sources such as vehicle emissions, dust and construction may be bigger contributors.

  19. Dhaka most polluted city, again

    Air pollution kills an estimated 7 million people worldwide every year, according to World Health Organization. The densely populated capital of Bangladesh remains on top of the list of world cities with the worst air quality. On Tuesday, Dhaka's air quality index (AQI) was recorded at 276 at 9:22am, classified as "poor" or "very ...

  20. What strategy should be taken to curb air pollution in Dhaka?

    Based on characteristics of air pollutants and its sources, the control strategy would be in three stages for the permanent solution of the air pollution problem in Dhaka city. The High Court issued the nine-point directive on January 13, 2020 to curb air pollution in Dhaka city after hearing a writ petition filed by the Human Rights and Peace ...

  21. On air pollution of Dhaka

    MD Talebur Islam Rupom University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh DHAKA is known for its air pollution. Many reasons such as overcrowding, continuous construction sites, brick kilns, raising number of private vehicles, lack of awareness and executing law et cetera are behind this catastrophic problem.

  22. Air Pollution and It's Causes in Dhaka City: A Comprehensive Analysis

    DOI: 10.55248/gengpi.4.1123.113134 Corpus ID: 266159165; Air Pollution and It's Causes in Dhaka City: A Comprehensive Analysis @article{Hasan2023AirPA, title={Air Pollution and It's Causes in Dhaka City: A Comprehensive Analysis}, author={Maruf A Hasan and Md. Samiul Islam Shanto}, journal={International Journal of Research Publication and Reviews}, year={2023}, url={https://api ...

  23. Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh Air Quality Index

    Localized Air Quality Index and forecast for Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Track air pollution now to help plan your day and make healthier lifestyle decisions.

  24. How to Reduce Air Pollution in Bangladesh?

    Bangladesh Others How to Reduce Air Pollution in Bangladesh? UNB News Dhaka Publish- August 25, 2021, 10:35 AM Nafiz Tahmid Update- August 25, 2021, 11:09 AM Air Pollution in Bangladesh Air pollution is caused by an increased amount of gases and dust other than oxygen in the air.

  25. Dhaka's air 'worst in the world' for 2nd straight day

    Dhaka has been identified as the city with the most polluted air globally for the second consecutive day this morning. With an air quality index (AQI) score of 286, Dhaka's air was categorised as ...

  26. PM2.5 levels rank Bangkok the 9th most polluted city

    The 10 cities with the worst air pollution in the world as of 9am according to IQAir were: 1. Dhaka, Bangladesh - 266. 2. Delhi, India - 222 ... city governor Chadchart Sittipunt told BMA officials to work from home on Thursday and Friday to minimise health impacts and to reduce pollution from traffic emissions. BMA has also called on its ...

  27. Dhaka tops global air quality index as very unhealthy

    Dhaka has been identified as the city with the most polluted air globally, recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) score of 257, categorizing its air as very unhealthy. This alarming status underscores the severe environmental challenges faced by the city's residents, with air pollution posing significant health risks.

  28. Dhaka tops global air quality index as 'very unhealthy'

    D haka, Feb. 11 -- Dhaka has been identified as the city with the most polluted air globally, recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) score of 257, categorizing its air as 'very unhealthy'.. This ...