Shahariar Islam Sovon :
A growing environmental crisis is unfolding in Dhaka as garbage is being set on fire beside roads, significantly worsening air pollution in the already congested city.
Over the past few weeks, residents in various parts of Dhaka have reported thick plumes of smoke rising from garbage dumps along major highways and residential areas, creating severe air quality concerns and health risks for millions of people.
The illegal practice of burning garbage, which includes plastics, rubber, and other non-biodegradable materials, is exacerbating the city’s already hazardous air pollution levels.
Experts warn that this practice not only releases toxic fumes and particulate matter but also contributes to the long-term environmental degradation of the city. Medical professionals have expressed alarm over the growing health risks posed by the smoke.
Residents near garbage dumps have reported persistent coughing, headaches, and difficulty breathing, especially during the morning and evening hours when winds tend to carry the smoke further into residential neighborhoods.
Authorities have acknowledged the problem but have struggled to implement effective solutions. Local government officials attribute the situation to a combination of poor waste management practices, a lack of proper waste disposal infrastructure, and limited public awareness of the harmful effects of garbage burning.
“We are aware of the issue, and steps are being taken to improve waste collection and disposal systems,” said Experts, an official with the Dhaka City Corporation. “However, the burning of waste is often done by individuals or small groups, and without proper monitoring, it’s hard to enforce the law.”
Despite the presence of environmental regulations prohibiting open burning of waste, enforcement remains lax. The penalties for burning garbage, which can include fines or imprisonment, are rarely applied, and many residents continue to burn their waste out of frustration over inadequate municipal waste management services.
Beyond the immediate health risks, burning waste is also contributing to the environmental degradation of Dhaka. The city’s air quality has long been among the worst in the world, and the additional pollutants from garbage fires are making it even harder to meet international air quality standards.
Experts suggest that a comprehensive approach is required to address both the short-term and long-term issues. This includes increased public awareness campaigns about the dangers of burning waste, better waste collection and disposal systems, and stronger enforcement of existing laws. Some have also proposed the development of waste-to-energy plants as a way to safely process waste while generating power.
As Dhaka grapples with rapid urbanization, insufficient infrastructure, and worsening environmental conditions, the need for coordinated action to combat both air pollution and waste management challenges has never been more urgent.
