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Legal policies are not in place to spare Dhaka air pollution

Published : Friday, 23 February, 2024 at 12:00 AM  Count : 629
Md Naeem
Air quality deterioration in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, poses a significant barrier to the maintenance of public health. The consequences for human health and the environment become slowly more evident as the city experiences a swift process of urban and industrial growth. Due to the dynamic and crowded urban environment of Dhaka, Bangladesh, an invisible yet prevalent danger exists the towns questionable designation as one of the most polluted globally, due to its extremely high levels of air pollution.

As society and the environment of Dhaka intersect in a manner that is both complicated and difficult, examining the current legal safeguards that are designed to prevent air pollution and protect the health of the citys inhabitants is crucial. The aim of this article is to assess the effectiveness of present regulatory policies while also identifying possible directions for enhancement in the legal safeguards designed to address air quality concerns in Dhaka.

According to air pollution data as of Sunday, February 18, 2024, Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, covers the first position worldwide. The air quality in Dhaka is presently classified as extremely toxic, as indicated by an AQI score of 2571 from IQAir, a global organization that records air quality. The approximate financial impact of air pollution on the city in 2024 is $320,000,000 USD, in addition to the estimated 2,500 loss of life.

Particulate matter and gaseous substance concentrations are frequently utilized to assess air quality, which is a multifaceted metric. Dhaka experiences a perilous air quality due to the presence of numerous contaminants, such as carbon monoxide, ozone, nitrogen oxides (NOx), pariculate matter with a 50% cut-off aerodynamic diameter of 2.5 µm (PM2.5), PM10, and carbon monoxide. Road dust, textile industries, tanning centers, chemical and cement that had been factories, and brick fires are among the numerous sources of these pollutants.

The large population of Dhaka, which includes an area of 306.38 km² and is estimated to be around 20.6 million, substantially increases the adverse effects of these pollutants on public health. However, there is a lack of public awareness regarding air pollution; as a result, individuals often face intolerable air quality without being completely informed of the detrimental effects on their long-term health. Unexpectedly, air pollution is solely responsible for 17.6% of the mortality and disability risks in Bangladesh, imposing an estimated USD 192 million annual economic burden.

In particular PM2.5, particulate matter emerges as a significant contributor to the air quality crisis in Dhaka. PM2.5, which has a diameter small enough to penetrate terminal bronchioles and alveolar structures, presents significant risks to health. Cancer, heart and lung conditions, and extended PM2.5 exposure are all associated with the condition in an independent manner. Global estimates highlight the seriousness of the situation, as they indicate that 92% of the worlds population is exposed to PM2.5 levels that violate established air quality guidelines.

Although legal protections are in place, their enforcement and implementation are frequently inadequate. Regulated agencies capacity limitations, insufficient resources, and ineffective monitoring mechanisms collectively contribute to a situation in which industries and vehicles persist in functioning contrary to established standards. Emerging pollution sources have surpassed the capacity of regulatory authorities to be monitored at the current rate of urbanization.

Moreover, the lack of public engagement and consciousness regarding air quality concerns poses a formidable obstacle to the enforcement of polluter liability. Provisions for meaningful public participation and citizen-led initiatives, which are essential for sustaining long-term improvements in air quality, are absent from the legal framework. Despite their strength, legal protections cannot exist in isolation. Public education and awareness are crucial in cultivating a societal ethos that upholds environmental stewardship. It is imperative that governments, in conjunction with non-governmental organizations and other relevant parties, allocate resources towards all-encompassing initiatives that inform the public about the health hazards linked to air pollution while advocating for sustainable methodologies.

A well-informed public is more likely to actively participate in efforts to reduce pollution levels. By fostering a sense of collective responsibility, communities can become powerful advocates for change, pressuring industries and policymakers to prioritize environmental health.

The air quality crisis in Dhaka necessitates multifaceted, urgent, and cooperative action. It is critical to establish a comprehensive and rigorous legal framework that not only regulates but also addresses the various sources of pollution. Concurrently, there is a need for heightened public awareness initiatives that aim to enlighten and enable members of the public to actively participate in the joint battle against air pollution. Nonetheless, the health and well-being of millions of individuals are at peril.

Dhaka finds itself at a pivotal moment where the consequences of present-day choices will affect future generations. By conducting an assessment, fortifying, and implementing legal safeguards, alongside cultivating an environment-conscious ethos, it is possible to work towards an upcoming period in which the air quality in Dhaka not only ensures life and prosperity but also provides oxygen. Dhakas future health is contingent on the effectiveness and immediacy of the measures we implement immediately.

The writer is from the Department of Law and Human Rights, University of Asia Pacific



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