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Dhaka breathes easier

SOHEL ISLAM
The quality of air in the city is now much better than it was in the last few decades. A haze that used to hang over the city's sky has been reduced remarkably after the two-stroke three-wheelers were banned off the streets.
The people who would wear mask for protection from vicious pollution have heaved a sigh of relief. Environmentalists who were vocal against the air pollution have turned their attention to other pollution.
If one looks at the assessment of the World Bank-funded Air Quality Management Project (AQMP) of the Department of Environment, there are reasons to be elated, especially if one is suffering from respiratory problems.
The assessment, based on data from the Continuous Air Monitoring Station (CAMS) at Sangsad Bhaban, shows that particulate matter (PM) concentrations have fallen by approximately 30 per cent.
Another finding of the project suggests that the ban on the two-stroke auto-rickshaws from the city streets has seen reduction of PM emissions to the air by about 5,200 tons per year.
PM is the major pollutant of concern in Dhaka. Excessive
exposure to pollution can cause respiratory problems, decreased lung capacity and can severely effect people with asthma.
The average 24-hour concentration of PM 10 -- which was a major worry -- fell from 386g/m3 in the week before January 1, 2003 to 238g/m3 in the week after January 1. This concentration of 238g/m3 is deemed to be high compared to other cities of the developed countries. Which means there is still a lot of work to be done to improve the air quality. The standard PM10 level, which is followed in a number of developed countries, is 150g/m3.
During a technical workshop on the proposed air quality and vehicle emission standard, the project has proposed adoption of USEPA (US Environmental Protection Agency) air quality standards as long-term objectives for the country.
According to the project, the average PM2.5 fell from 266g/m3 to 141g/m3 over the same period. The standard, which is followed in many developed countries, is 65g/m3.
During rainy season, the people of the city have the luxury to live without any air pollution. "The PM levels in Dhaka generally exceed the standards during winter only. During monsoon, the air quality remains within the objectives, " said a source involved with the project.
Meanwhile, the poorly maintained human haulers, which are mostly run on diesel, are threatening the improvements in air quality. Diesel engine vehicles, predominantly buses and trucks, are now the major source of air pollution.
"The large plumes of black smoke most buses and trucks gush out in Dhaka are a result of poor maintenance. Regular servicing and preventative maintenance can reduce smoke and PM emissions," said an authoritative source at the AQMP.
"We want diesel vehicle owners to improve the regular maintenance of their vehicles. It is a 'win-win' situation. Not only will the environment and public health win because of the reduced emissions, vehicle owners will also see improved fuel economy, better engine performance and longer engine life," the AQMP source added.
The AQMP is currently preparing new vehicle emission standards for Dhaka city. Once the preparation is complete the AQMP with the assistance of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police and the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority will be enforced at roadside checkpoints.
"The new smoke emission standards will ensure that grossly polluting vehicles are identified and fixed," said the source at AQMP.