We want a green Dhaka, not a dirty one
The sufferings of city dwellers become never-ending. They have to face waterlogging in the rainy season, while it is impossible to move without taking in dust and vehicles’ emissions through the nostrils in the dry season.
A government report said the quantity of dust in Dhaka’s air is three times higher than the tolerable level.
As a consequence, the residents are running the risk of various health problems.
The latest Global Air Report said Dhaka ranked second on a global list of cities with the worst air pollution, which claims 1,22,400 lives in Bangladesh a year.
The World Health Organisation, in its latest report, also mentioned Dhaka as the fourth dirtiest city in the world. The WHO identified 91 dirty cities in 25 countries. Of them, three cities are Dhaka, Narayanganj and Gazipur.
Physicians warned that dusty air contains lead, urea, paraben and some other poisonous materials which are very harmful. It’s a matter of great concern that people are moving into such unhealthy conditions, finding no other way. As per the statistics, about 92 thousand people die every year in our country due to air pollution. Of them, 13,100 die only in Dhaka.
So, there is no need to elaborate breadth and length of the danger. Different types of pollution, such as air pollution, water pollution, noise pollution, land pollution and radioactive pollution, are constantly contributing to various chronic diseases. Sometimes it becomes fatal.
Both the Dhaka North and South city corporations had earlier announced plans to make the city green. They also announced about taking a bunch of plans and programmes in this regard. But we don’t see any initiatives to protect the city dwellers from the pollution. Even the water therapy taken by the city corporations failed to bring any positive results.
At present, Dhaka has turned into an unlivable city. We think it becomes essential to guard the capital city from air, sound, water and other pollution on an emergency basis. The city corporations must step up their efforts, including water spraying and road cleansing activities, to make the city livable.
Besides, the authorities must ensure the implementation of environmental law. There is no way except taking stern action who are responsible for polluting the city. We want a green Dhaka, not a dirty one.