Winter Smog Crisis: Dhaka & New Delhi’s Pollution Paradox

 

As winter approaches, the South Asian cities of Dhaka and New Delhi are engulfed in a deadly haze of toxic smog, raising concerns about air quality and its serious repercussions for public health. The thick layer of pollutants has pushed the air quality index into the “hazardous” category, with Dhaka, Bangladesh’s metropolis, facing new challenges as a result of increasing urbanization and excessive usage of fossil fuels.

According to Swiss organization IQAir, Dhaka, one of the world’s most densely populated cities, is seeing a significant decrease in air quality, reaching a dangerous index level of 325. The metropolis, which has a population of over 20 million people, suffers from health issues such as asthma, fever, and allergies, which disproportionately affect vulnerable occupations such as rickshaw pullers.

Rickshaw puller Rafiq Mondal laments the physical toll of dirty air, saying, “We often suffer from asthma, fever, and allergies while operating rickshaws on the streets.” It is frequently excruciating.” The situation of those who rely on such activities highlights the acute health consequences of rising pollution levels.

To fight the harmful air quality, city officials spray water on the streets to settle dust particles. Residents, on the other hand, underline the need for more stringent restrictions, particularly in light of current megaprojects such as the metro train, which contribute to construction-related pollution.