Controlling Dhaka's winter dust

With the advent of every winter, the problem Dhaka city dwellers face most is dust. Due to the ongoing construction projects and absence of effective coordination among service agencies, the problem has become acuter this year as well across the capital city. The authorities concerned are perhaps trying, but the reality is that Dhaka is taking up construction projects throughout the entire year. These days, Dhaka scores above 150 on the Real-time Air Quality Index (AQI) measured at the US Embassy in Dhaka, which is categorised as unhealthy.

Such a high score also means the pollution has some effects on everyone's health and consequences for sensitive groups may be severe. We believe it is possible to control air and dust pollution in Dhaka city if the authorities concerned become more active. Before dust pollution does more harm to our health, the authorities concerned should come up with a detailed plan on how to solve this problem permanently.

Abu Elias Linkon,

Banasree, Dhaka,

[email protected]