Gazipur worst in air quality index among 64 districts
Dhaka has the highest air pollution among cities followed by Narayanganj
Gazipur had the highest air pollution in the country with 263.51 microgram particles while Dhaka has the worst air quality among the cities in 2021 with 252.93 microgram particles, a study has revealed Thursday.
Narayanganj was ranked the third worst in terms of air quality with 222.45 microgram particles per cubic metre, according to the "Air Pollution Survey Report of 64 Districts 2021" unveiled by the Center for Atmospheric Pollution Studies (CAPS) of Stamford University at the National Press Club in the capital on Thursday.
As per the report, 18 districts had excessive micro particles in the air which is over 121 microgram per cubic metre. Other districts having serious air pollution are – Habiganj, Noakhali, Tangail, Cox's Bazar, Chandpur, Chattogram, KIshoreganj, Moulvibazar, Lakkhipur, Panchagarh, Mymensingh, Brahmanbaria, Feni, Thakurgaon and Jamalpur.
Only 10 districts of the country had good air quality with less than 65 micron of particles.
Madaripur ranked top of the list with 49.08 microns per cubic metre, Patuakhali with 51.42 micron, Meherpur 53.37 micron, Sirajganj with 55.20 micron, Rajshahi 56.41 micron, Rajbari 58.22 micron, Jaipurhat with 58.24 micron, Natore with 63.19 micron and Kurigram with 63.33 micron.
Besides, there was medium level air pollution in 36 districts with micro particles ranging from 66 to 120 micron per cubic metre.
The reasons for the severe air pollution have been identified as road digging, mega projects, brick kilns, industries, black fumes emitted from vehicles without fitness and burning of garbage.
On the other hand, the reasons for less air pollution have been identified as the geographical location, plenty of trees, natural water reservoirs etc. Besides, the road digging works were not noticed that much in these areas.
The 81-member team of the CAPS conducted the air quality survey at 3163 spots across the country between 6 January and 6 April of 2021.
The research report was presented by the Science Faculty Dean of Stamford University and lead of the research team Professor Kamruzzaman.
There were 531 sensitive areas, 440 residential areas, 407 mixed areas, 575 commercial, 358 connecting roads, 432 industrial roads and 420 rural areas in the survey samples.
