Collective awareness key to prevent air pollution

Air pollution in Dhaka has become like a nuclear bomb. We may not need any nuclear war for our destruction; air pollution itself will destroy us. According to a research report by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the number of lung cancer cases among non-smokers is rising due to air pollution.

In a news report published on Wednesday (February 5), it was revealed that Dhaka ranked first in the world for air pollution for the fourth consecutive day. Just like the previous three days, Dhaka continues to top the list of the most polluted cities globally. This ranking was highlighted by IQAir, a Switzerland-based organization, which monitors air pollution in 123 cities worldwide.

Now the question is, should we stay in this city or leave? And where would we go? Dhaka is home to millions of people who work here. If they don't stay in the city, they may struggle to make a living. The majority of the country's good public educational institutions and hospitals are located here. Most government offices are also in the capital. Due to the availability of jobs and other services, people from all over the country flock to the capital. As a result, the city has become one of the most densely populated cities in the world. Unfortunately, this overcrowding has become a curse for the city.

Noise pollution, air pollution, and water pollution are on the rise. Dhaka city has long become uninhabitable, yet we have no way of leaving. It seems as though the government is blind and deaf to the situation. There is no effort towards development in the city. It's as if we are being held captive in a concentration camp here. For many years, we have been talking about the city's air pollution, and the media has repeatedly reported it, yet it seems the government pays no attention. There has been no effective action to combat air pollution so far.

Now, with the recent report that the number of lung cancer cases is rising due to air pollution, surely the government will remain silent. The death of people suffering from diseases has become an issue of no concern to the state. According to reports, not only is Dhaka suffering from severe pollution, but three other divisional cities are also severely affected. This means that we have failed to build cities in the true sense. What we have built in the name of a city is nothing but a garbage dump. We haven't created the necessary facilities in rural areas either, which is why people are flocking to the cities in large numbers.

We must protect the people of our country from this deadly weapon. To save people from air pollution, the government must adopt a long-term, strategic plan. The population of the city needs to be reduced. We cannot allow buildings to be constructed indiscriminately, anywhere and anytime. The number of vehicles must be reduced, and most importantly, unfit vehicles should be banned from operating. At the same time, job opportunities must be created in rural areas as well. It is not acceptable for everyone to rush to the cities just because there are no jobs in the villages. This calls for the implementation of far-reaching plans. The public must also be made aware of this issue.

Everyone, in their own capacity, must work to reduce air pollution. The government should also take the initiative to tackle air pollution, and pressure must be exerted on the government to do so. We all need to remember that air pollution is a poison that enters each of us with every breath. Once the air of a city becomes polluted, even wearing a mask, staying indoors, or sitting in expensive cars with closed windows will not offer much protection from its harmful effects.