The increasing usage of fireworks during the New Year celebration heightens Dhaka's air and sound pollution, last seven years’ data has shown.
Analyzing the data during New Year eve in 7 years since 2017, the Center for Atmospheric Pollution Studies (CAPS) found that in 2023 New Year, the amount of air pollution in the next one hour of celebration increased by about 36 per cent and noise pollution by 102 per cent compared to previous one hour (11-12 pm).
On the other hand, the amount of air pollution in the next one hour increased by about 35 per cent and noise pollution by 42 per cent compared to 11-12 pm in the 2024 New Year.
CAPS Chairman Ahmad Kamruzzaman Majumder shared the findings in his presentation at a press conference at the National Press Club on Friday.
The event was titled "Publication of the results of scientific research on air and noise pollution due to burning of firecrackers during the New Year celebration and demand for a firecracker- and lantern-free New Year celebration".
He added that such explosives create excessive noise and air pollution negatively impact humans, animals, birds, plants as well as the entire ecosystem.
Md. Humayun Kabir, Assistant Prof of the Department of Environmental Science, Stamford University, moderated the event while Wajiha Zaman, a seventh-grade student of Kids delivered her keynote speech.
Student Wajiha Zaman said most of the children were unhappy with the sound of firecrackers, some also afraid.
Therefore, Zaman requested everyone to celebrate the New Year in an environmentally friendly way instead of burning fireworks. Prof M. Shahidul Islam, Chairman, Department of Geography & Environment of Dhaka University, said burning fireworks caused cultural and physical disasters and biodiversity destruction.
Prof Mohammad Zashim Uddin, Department of Botany, University of Dhaka, said air pollution damaged the food production of plants. Due to air or noise pollution, all the insects in the ecosystem of an area shift elsewhere to save them, which poses a problem in plant reproduction, he added.
Some recommendations were made at the press conference: Strict bans should be imposed on import, production, sale and supply of fireworks and lanterns that cause pollution.
Speakers emphasized the need for ensuring effective implementation of the Noise Pollution (Control) Rules 2006 and other environmental protection laws.
A plan should be adopted for the safety of animals, birds and wildlife during the New Year celebrations.
More funds should be allocated for research on environmental pollution, speakers added.
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