Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh, has once again claimed the undesirable distinction of having the worst air quality globally for the second consecutive day.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded a value of 269 at 9 am today, categorizing Dhaka’s air as ‘very unhealthy,’ implying severe health hazards for its residents.
The city’s persistent air quality issues have led to significant concerns about the well-being of its inhabitants. The AQI readings for other cities reflect a broader regional challenge, with India’s Kolkata, Pakistan’s Karachi, and India’s capital Delhi securing the second, third, and fourth positions on the list, registering AQI scores of 238, 199, and 199, respectively.
The AQI categorization indicates that when the value for particle pollution falls within the range of 101 to 150, the air quality is considered ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups.’ The range of 150 to 200 is classified as ‘unhealthy,’ 201 to 300 as ‘very unhealthy,’ and a reading surpassing 301 is deemed ‘hazardous,’ signifying critical health risks for residents.
This situation underscores the pressing need for measures to address air quality concerns in the region and enhance environmental sustainability.
