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DHAKA: Dhaka ranks sixth on the global list of cities with the worst air quality, recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) score of 159. According to international standards, the city’s air quality is now in the ‘unhealthy’ category. Dhaka’s air quality has been deteriorating steadily over the past few days.
Uncontrolled construction work, emissions from unfit vehicles, brick kilns on the outskirts of the city and increased dust in the air during the dry winter season are considered the main factors behind the deterioration.
Ethiopia’s capital Addis Ababa is just ahead of Dhaka in fifth place, with an AQI score of 160.
According to the international AQI scale, scores of 0–50 indicate ‘good’ air quality, 51–100 ‘moderate’, 101–150 ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups’, 151–200 ‘unhealthy’, 201–300 ‘very unhealthy’ and above 300 ‘hazardous’.
Environmental experts say an AQI above 300 is no longer merely an environmental concern but a public health emergency. They stress that specific and stringent environmental policies must be implemented immediately to prevent Dhaka’s air quality from deteriorating further. Otherwise, residents could face an even more severe air pollution crisis in the coming winter months.
