Shafiqul Islam
The average air pollution in the capital has increased by 9.8 percent in 2021 as compared to 2020. According to the Air Quality Index (AQI), the level of pollution in 2020 was 145. That is 159.01 in 2021. The data came from a survey conducted by the Center for Atmospheric Pollution Studies (CAPS) in the Department of Environmental Sciences at Stamford University. Among Dhaka, Abdullapur, Mirpur and Shahbag have been listed
as the most polluted areas. Environmentalists say that with a little initiative and awareness, it is possible to reduce pollution levels using modern technology.
According to the survey, the average level of the Air Quality Index (AQI) in January 2020 was 235.1. In January 2021, it increased to 261.06. That is 11.3 percent more than two years. Similarly, in February 2020, it was 220.5. In 2021, it has increased to 231.4.
Ahmed Kamruzzaman Majumder, director of CAPS and chairman of Stamford University’s Department of Environmental Sciences, said: “We are surveying air pollution levels in 10 areas of Dhaka. The most polluted area is Abdullahpur. Mirpur is in the second position and third is Shahbag.
He added that many development works were halted due to pandemic Corona virus. That’s has started again in full swing. Besides, the vehicles that had been lying at home for so long have hit the road without any servicing. This has also increased pollution.
Mohammad Abdul Matin, executive vice-president of the Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (BAPA), said air pollution was on the rise for four main reasons first: development work. Second: Private construction. Number three is the brick kiln and number four is blowing dust while cleaning the city.
He added that government development work is going in full swing after the epidemic of corona virus. We are not against development. But in doing so, if the countries of the developed world can take measures to prevent pollution, why can’t we? Awareness is also needed when doing personal construction work.
Abdul Matin said it is also important to stop the use of low quality coal in brickfields. Coal contains so much sulfur that it mixes with the air and causes air pollution at a massive rate. Meanwhile, sweeping the streets, cleaning the shops using modern technology, it is possible to solve the dust.
