Unless road digging stops, air pollution can’t be tackled. Due to unplanned development work, almost all roads of Dhaka are being dug up at the same time. As a result, dust floating in air is increasing pollution. The use of water to control dust is proving ineffective.
Experts say that due to six types of particles, the pollution level in Dhaka has risen. On Sunday, (Nov 24), the air pollution index was between 200 and 300.
To bring down the pollution, digging has to stop and the road must be washed daily.
Of the harmful six items are Particulated Matter (PM), lead, Sulphur dioxide, Nitrogen and Carbon Monoxide.
The AQI is determined by making an average of these and gas.
On Sunday, US-based air quality institute, gave a report which marked Dhaka as the most polluted city that day with 194 AQI, followed by Delhi with 184.
Air pollution specialist and Joint secretary of Bangladesh Paribesh Andolon, Professor Dr Kamruzzaman Mazumdar, said: “The main pollution is created by construction work, road digging, brick kilns, and the burning of waste. A BAPA survey shows that from Nov 12 till Nov 19, 46 roads of Dhaka were being dug over a period of seven days.”
The digging had to be stopped, barricades put up, brick kilns brought under control and improved eco friendly technology introduced, he said.
The Department of environment says that there are around 800 kilns around Dhaka but I think there are about 1000 and the black smoke from them mix in the air', he observed, adding: “The plying of vehicles past their expiry dates need to be stopped too.”
Professor of Chemistry of Dhaka University, Dr Abdus Salam, said: “There are four reasons for the increased pollution: rainfall has been high recently, the air around Dhaka is polluted, digging and construction add dust and brick kilns have begun operation this month.”
Health specialists say that in such a condition, children and the elderly are at risk. They feel that the risk of diabetes, respiratory problems, Pneumonia among pregnant women also increases.