The Story of Dipta Saha
I am Dipta Saha, and I graduated from Jahangirnagar University's department of public health and informatics with a B.Sc. and an MPH. I am currently employed with Eminence Associates for Social Development as a health and development officer, where I am passionate about public health.
Being a resident of Bangladesh and living and working in Dhaka, I would want to discuss the effects of air pollution on the general public's health in the city. Air pollution in Dhaka City is a serious problem that needs to be addressed right away, in my opinion. Residents of the city face serious health hazards due to the declining quality of the air, which also negatively impacts the environment and general standard of living. Furthermore, it is common knowledge that air pollution is one of the most alarming and unsettling issues among the numerous man-made disasters that occur in today's world.
Dhaka is one of the world's most crowded cities. It is home to almost 20 million people. Push carts, rickshaw vans, two-stroke-engine, three-wheeled autorickshaws, buses, lorries, and cars are all crammed onto the city streets. One of the main causes of Dhaka's air pollution is the city's overpopulation. This problem has a significant impact on Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh and the hub of most of its commercial activities. Because of its central location, the area is home to a wide range of companies, including those that manufacture ready-made garments (RMG), as well as different factories, mills, and industries associated with brickfields, chemicals, and other items.
In Dhaka, one of the most talked-about causes of air pollution is brick fields. The city of Dhaka is surrounded by more than 1500 brick farms. The production of toxic smog, which contains lead, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, and other highly dangerous substances, is mostly caused by the tire, plastics, energy, coal, and apparel industries. One more factor contributing to Dhaka's air pollution problem is a lack of public knowledge. Hygiene and cleanliness don't matter to them. They cook for extended periods of time on stoves and without adequate supervision, sometimes even cooking alone.
The respiratory system is primarily harmed by air pollution, which also increases the risk of high blood pressure, asthma, cancer, irritability, exhaustion, headaches, and weariness. Lead poisoning will impair Dhaka children's cognitive abilities and may even cause damage to their central nervous systems. Based on medical research, air pollution is closely associated to four out of the ten most common diseases that cause death in Bangladesh: chemical heart disease (6%), lower respiratory tract infections (7%), lung cancer (13%), stroke (5%), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (7%).
The government should work more quickly to ensure that pollution laws are followed. Two further essential elements of this procedure are the social awareness campaign and the mass media campaign. Stopping the growth of the city's new industries is also crucial. The city's tree-planting program has to be immediately strengthened in addition to these long-term projects. Raising public awareness is necessary in order to eradicate all forms of air pollution. Penalties ought to be imposed on individuals and businesses alike that cause air pollution.
In conclusion, Dhaka City's air pollution requires immediate and concerted efforts from all stakeholders to protect public health and safeguard the environment. By taking proactive measures to reduce pollution levels and promote sustainable development practices, we can create a cleaner, healthier, and more livable city for current and future generations.
