Dhaka's air quality showed a minor improvement on Wednesday compared to Tuesday, yet the city continues to rank as one of the most polluted globally. According to the Air Quality Index (AQI), Dhaka was the 4th most polluted city at 9:02 AM on Wednesday, recording an AQI of 292, falling under the 'very unhealthy' category.
Cities with worse air quality included Chengdu, China (536), Delhi, India (441), and Wuhan, China (400). By contrast, cities like Minneapolis, USA (14), and Kuching, Malaysia (16), ranked among those with the cleanest air.
On Tuesday, Dhaka’s AQI was 245, placing it below Kolkata (284) and Lahore (281). Despite the improvement, the city's air remains a significant health hazard, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions.
The AQI provides daily updates on air quality, with scores between 201–300 classified as 'very unhealthy,' and those exceeding 300 deemed 'hazardous.' Health warnings advise minimizing outdoor activities in such conditions.
Dhaka's air pollution typically worsens during winter due to increased emissions and stagnant weather but sees some relief during the monsoon season. In response to the current 'very unhealthy' conditions, the Department of Environment (DoE) has urged residents to wear masks outdoors to protect their health.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
