Dusty Dhaka: A city choked in grey

Raihan Ahmed Published: 29 January 2025, 01:05 PM
Dusty Dhaka: A city choked in grey
Dhaka’s streets transform into a hazy labyrinth of dust.– Jago News Photo

As winter arrives, Dhaka’s streets transform into a hazy labyrinth of dust. The dry season amplifies the capital's chronic dust pollution, turning the air heavy with particles from unregulated construction, road excavations, and government mega-projects. This seasonal affliction not only dulls the cityscape but also endangers the health of its residents.

According to the Air Quality Index (AQI), Dhaka’s air quality has ranked among the worst globally since November. For most days, it has been categorised as 'unhealthy' or 'very unhealthy.' Experts attribute this to the city's unchecked development activities, which surge in winter due to the absence of rain.

Dust: A by-product of unregulated urbanisation

The dust clouds choking Dhaka stem largely from uncoordinated urban development. Agencies like RAJUK, WASA, Titas Gas, and City Corporation often launch simultaneous projects without proper planning. From the construction of the Metrorail and Elevated Expressway to year-round real estate activities, the lack of adherence to environmental protection regulations exacerbates the problem.

Construction sites are left uncovered, and excavated roads remain exposed for months. A stroll along Malibagh level-crossing to Basabo reveals heaps of sand, bricks, and cement scattered haphazardly, with dust swirling into the air as vehicles pass.

Local shopkeeper Gafur Haque shared his frustration: "Dust from gas line works and expressway construction has made life unbearable. Even with masks, it’s hard to breathe. I have to wipe my counters hourly."

When asked about the prolonged digging by Titas Gas, Engineer Satyajit Ghosh, the General Manager for Planning, shifted the responsibility to the Development Department. Attempts to contact Md. Anisur Rahman, the General Manager of the Development Department, and the Deputy General Manager of the Pipeline Construction Department went unanswered.

A similar scenario is observed across Dhaka in areas such as Bashundhara, Nadda, Notunbazar, Pragati Sarani, Mouchak, Siddheshwari Road, and Jatrabari. On Siddheshwari Road, construction debris, including concrete, sand, and soil, is scattered across the dug-up streets, releasing dust into the air. The situation is even worse in Pragati Sarani, where subway construction is ongoing, leaving piles of soil unattended and causing widespread dust pollution.

At the Mouchak intersection, several shops are being demolished, with bricks, cement, and concrete being moved using bulldozers and cranes. The resulting dust clouds are creating significant discomfort for shopkeepers and pedestrians alike.

Humayun Kabir, a shopkeeper at Mouchak Mor, shared his frustration with Jago News: “The demolition of this building has been going on for more than a week. Brick dust and sand are constantly flying in the air. I sell clothes, but I’m always struggling—dust and sand keep entering the shop, and it’s a nightmare to keep it clean.”

Rules exist but are rarely enforced

Bangladesh's Air Pollution Control Rules-2022 mandate measures to minimize air pollution during construction, including covering materials, spraying water, and cleaning vehicle wheels. However, these guidelines are largely ignored.

The Center for Atmospheric Pollution Studies (CAPS) reports that uncoordinated road digging and construction alone contribute to 30% of Dhaka’s air pollution. Despite repeated High Court directives to control air pollution since 2020, compliance remains abysmal.

Environmental experts, like Professor Dr Ahmed Kamruzzaman Majumder, blame weak enforcement and uncoordinated urban planning. “Major projects like BRT and MRT are not adhering to environmental protection rules, pushing Dhaka’s air quality to dangerous levels,” he said.

Even after the High Court's nine-point directive in 2020, which called for stricter compliance, little has changed.

A city struggling to breathe indoors and outdoors

While outdoor air quality garners the most attention, indoor air pollution in Dhaka is equally alarming. A study by Dr Sakhawat Hossain of Jahangirnagar University found indoor air pollution levels five times higher than WHO guidelines, with some areas exceeding 200 micrograms per cubic metre.

"Polluted air enters homes through windows and openings, exposing residents to long-term health risks," Dr Hossain explained.

Health professionals are witnessing the consequences. Dr Ayesha Akhter, director of a TB hospital, reported a surge in patients suffering from respiratory issues since November, particularly children and the elderly.

Public health at risk

Prolonged exposure to dust contributes to severe health issues, including asthma, bronchitis, and even lung cancer. The situation worsens when winter fog combines with dust and chemicals to form harmful smog.

"The number of respiratory patients has doubled," said Dr Akhter. “It’s essential for everyone to wear masks outdoors.”

Solutions on paper but not on the ground

Authorities acknowledge the problem but have struggled to implement solutions. Tapan Kumar Biswas, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, highlighted efforts like mobile courts and a national air quality management plan. "PM 2.5 levels have reached dangerous levels. We’ve initiated mobile court campaigns and are working on a national air quality management plan to control pollution."

Meanwhile, Dhaka South City Corporation CEO Bashirul Haque Bhuiyan highlighted ongoing measures such as water sprinkling and plans to fill road dividers with greenery.

However, experts like urban planner Adil Mohammad Khan believe more drastic measures are needed: "Many cities halt construction during high-pollution seasons. Dhaka should consider similar steps."

Green campaigner Syed Mahbubul Alam Tahin, also secretary of the Center for Law and Policy Affairs, told Jago News, "Dust is a major contributor to Dhaka's air pollution, and much of it originates from construction sites—both government and private. Unfortunately, construction rules are not being followed, and the Department of Environment must step up enforcement. Contractors must adhere to the guidelines."

He further explained, "If you visit construction sites to check compliance—like covering the site or spraying water as required—you’ll find these rules are rarely followed. Even government projects, executed by contractors, often disregard these standards. There’s a perception that government projects are untouchable and cannot be stopped. The Department of Environment needs to break out of this mindset and ensure laws are applied uniformly to all projects."

The way forward

The fight against dust pollution requires coordinated action from all stakeholders. Immediate steps include:

Strict enforcement of construction and excavation rules.

Covering construction materials and spraying water regularly.

Streamlining urban projects to minimise prolonged disruptions.

Planting greenery along roads to act as natural dust barriers.

Unless these measures are taken, Dhaka’s winters will remain a grim season of grey skies, health crises, and frustrated residents. For now, the city continues to cough its way through a cloud of neglect.