A dense layer of toxic smog covered Bangladesh’s capital Dhaka on Wednesday as the air quality index dropped to “hazardous” levels, similar conditions were also reported in New Delhi, India’s capital.
The deteriorating air quality in Dhaka, which is home to over 20 million people, has been attributed to large scale construction projects and excessive use of fossil fuels, leading to health issues for many residents. Drones equipped with cameras showed the smog at 9am, placing Dhaka at the top of the list of the world’s most polluted cities with a “hazardous” index level of 325. However, the condition slightly improved with the index dropping to 177 in the “unhealthy” range by 1.35pm.
City authorities have been spraying the streets with water to help settle the dust, but residents are calling for more serious efforts to combat the air pollution. The World Bank has also urged Bangladesh to coordinate with neighboring countries in South Asia to address the issue.
In some areas of Dhaka, levels of fine particulate matter exceeded World Health Organization standards by as much as 20 times, leading to a significant impact on the country’s premature deaths each year. In New Delhi, the pollution level was also high, with an index reading of 378, categorized as “very poor.” Additionally, over 100 flights were delayed and rail services disrupted in New Delhi due to foggy conditions.