Dusty weather aggravates air pollution in Chattogram

Dust-induced air pollution has become a big concern for the port city dwellers with the advent of winter.

Aggravation of air pollution due to the dusty weather has caused outbreak of different diseases jeopardising public health, experts and locals fear.

According to the Department of Environment (DoE), the dust in the air in Chattogram city is 3500 PPM now. If the dust is more than 100 PPM in the air, the said air is polluted and risky for health.

But, more than 60 lakh dwellers of the port city are now living in the air with 3500 PPM dust now, which is very risky for public health.

Presently, the pollution of air has increased due to the digging work of Chattogram WASA and mega projects like elevated express way, the city dwellers said.

Mayor of Chattogram City Corporation (CCC) A J M Nasir Uddin said, "Now, Chattogram is a city of air pollution. Huge dusts are flying in the air due to work of the ongoing development projects. I request all not to carry materials of the development projects openly as dust carried by them may cause air pollution.

I have published advertisement and created awareness in this regard."

Managing Director of Chattogram WASA Engineer A K M Fazlluah said, "It is fact that road digging work by WASA is causing air pollution in the city. As dry season has started, we are sprinkling waters in the project areas to ease air pollution."

Besides, air pollution caused by black smoke from unfit vehicles and dust from open space are causing outbreak of bronchitis, asthma and other respiratory-related diseases, physicians said.

Environmentalists blamed smoked air caused by unfit vehicles, coupled with dust from open space, for such environmental degradation in the city.

Physicians apprehend that if such environmental degradation continues, outbreak of respiratory deceases will take a far more alarming turn.

Dr Mizanur Rahman, a physician, said, "Now, people of Chattogram city are amid a high health risk for unabating air pollution."

The Department of Environment (DoE), Chattogram office sources said the pollution is very high in a few jam-packed places of the city, including Patenga, Cement Crossing, CEPZ, Bondor Tilla, Agrabad, Bahaddarhat crossing, GEC crossing, Newmarket, Agrabad, Chawkbazar and Andarkillah.

Over 20,749 unfit light and heavy vehicles ply the roads of Chattogram city and its adjacent areas without fitness certificates and emitting black smoke, Bangladesh Road Transport Authority, Chattogram office source said.

BRTA sources said they send data about unfit vehicles every six months to the traffic department offices in the city and district for checking the vehicles and controlling black smoke.

Mohammed Amir Jafar, deputy commissioner (traffic), said unfit vehicles not only pollute air but also contribute to traffic jam and road accidents.

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