Dhaka’s Air Turns Toxic Again, Tops List of World’s Most Polluted Cities

shaplanews.com

Dhaka, November 12

As winter approaches, the air in Dhaka has once again turned dangerously polluted. This morning, Dhaka topped the list of the world’s most polluted cities according to air quality monitoring organization IQAir. In the morning, Dhaka’s Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 245, which is considered very unhealthy.

Experts say that since morning, a smoky fog-like layer has covered Dhaka’s sky. Pollution was highest in Mirpur, Uttara, Gulshan, Mohammadpur and Jatrabari areas. Common people are complaining of eye irritation, breathing difficulty and sore throat.

Doctors at Dhaka Medical College Hospital said that in the last one week, patients with breathing problems, asthma and cold-related diseases have increased by about 30 percent. Children and elderly people are most affected. Doctors advise not to go outside in the morning unless very necessary, and to wear a mask if going out.

The Department of Environment has blamed dust from construction work, smoke from brick kilns and black smoke from unfit vehicles as the main causes of air pollution. Although water is sprayed on roads, city dwellers think it is not enough.

Environmentalists say that from November to February every year, Dhaka’s air is at its worst. But this time, the situation has become terrible at the very beginning of November. If effective steps are not taken now, the situation will get worse in the coming days.

Meanwhile, Dhaka North and South City Corporations have said that to reduce pollution, water will be sprayed regularly on construction sites, illegal brick kilns will be closed and drives will be conducted against old vehicles.

The demand of the common people is that this time, not just announcements, real action should be taken on the ground. Because breathing in clean air is everyone’s right.