Toxic Smog Blankets Dhaka and Delhi As The Two Nations Suffers From Poor Air Quality

(Photo : Getty Images/SAJJAD HUSSAIN)

Both New Delhi and Dhaka's air quality is severely declining as a heavy layer of deadly haze descends upon the major cities of India and Bangladesh.

Most Polluted City

With over 20 million residents, Dhaka is considered as one of the most populous cities in the world.

As a result of excessive use of fossil fuels and the emergence of massive projects, the city's air quality has gotten worse, endangering the health of many residents.

Dhaka briefly emerged as the world's most polluted city on Wednesday, with a "hazardous" index level of 325, according to the Swiss climate monitor IQAir.

But by midday, things had somewhat improved, with the index falling to 177, however, experts said this is still within the "unhealthy" category.

The city officials misted the streets with water to help the dust settle, but the locals demanded more action. Residents are reportedly suffering from different health problems because of the poor air quality, including asthma, fever, and allergies, all of which can be quite painful.

Between 2018 and 2021, the nation was classified as the most polluted in the world; Dhaka was placed as the second most polluted city.

In order to improve air quality, Bangladesh has been advised by the World Bank to work more closely with its neighbors in South Asia.

According to a survey, one-fifth of the nation's annual deaths are caused by air pollution, which is frequently a mixture of solid particles, liquid droplets, and gases.

Experts said the government must act swiftly and decisively in response to these concerning figures when it comes to the air quality.

Strong policies are required in order to lower pollution levels, encourage the use of cleaner energy sources, and enforce more stringent controls on businesses that are causing bad air quality.

Cancelled Flights In India

The Central Pollution Control Board classified New Delhi, the capital of India, as having "very poor" pollution, with an index reading of 378.

A dense fog caused more than 100 flights to be delayed and rail services to be affected by the 11-degree Celsius weather.

At eight in the morning, the weather agency issued an orange alert for the whole city because visibility was still only about fifty meters in numerous areas.

"Dense to very dense fog is likely to continue over northwest India in the next 3-4 days. Light isolated rainfall is likely over north-west and central India from December 31 to January 2, 2024," a forecast by the IMD said.

According to meteorologists, rain is possible on Saturday and Sunday in some areas of central and northwest India, but not in Delhi.

Experts stressed the need to strike a balance between development and environmental protection, which is essential as cities continue to expand and thrive.

Air pollution can have far-reaching effects on health, the economy, and society that may take decades to reverse if it is not controlled.