Dhaka North to install modern air quality monitoring equipment

The Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) has taken an initiative to install modern air quality monitoring equipment in 25 public spaces across its jurisdiction with support from Bloomberg Philanthropies, Administrator Mohammad Azaz said today.

Speaking at an event "Baseline Study on the Role of Vegetation in Reducing Temperature and Air Pollution: A Study in Informal Settlements of Dhaka North City Corporation," Azaz said, "When we think of a city, we imagine more buildings and fewer trees, while in villages we expect more trees and fewer houses. We have created this divide ourselves. 

"The greenery in Dhaka is gradually disappearing. We need to rebuild our cities. Planned tree plantations can reduce Dhaka's temperature," he added.

He also emphasised collecting temperature data in Dhaka in the same manner as air pollution data, repeating this point to underline its urgency.

The programme was jointly organised by the Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC), Center for Atmospheric Pollution Studies (CAPS), Community Town Federation (CTF), and World Vision Bangladesh at the auditorium of DNCC Nagar Bhaban in Gulshan-2.

Also present at the event, Professor Ahmad Kamruzzaman Majumder, chairman of CAPS, said, "Trees are our closest allies. They not only supply oxygen but also help regulate temperature and absorb harmful gases from the air to provide us with clean air. 

"Scientific research helps us understand which trees are most beneficial in specific locations, how to increase urban greenery, and which tree species are effective in pollution control. Research paves the way for environmental protection, and we all must participate in this effort."

Presenting the project brief paper, Engineer Nasir Ahmmed Patoary of Stamford University stated, "Due to climate change and air pollution, Dhaka and the entire country are facing serious environmental issues such as heatwaves, air pollution, and seasonal irregularities. Trees play a vital role in tackling these problems by absorbing carbon dioxide, supplying oxygen, and cooling the environment."

He further said, tn this context, CAPS, DNCC, the Dhaka North Community Town Federation, and World Vision Bangladesh are conducting a collaborative study. Over 12 months, the impact of vegetation will be assessed at five sites in Dhaka North using digital instruments and satellite imagery. 

Active participation from youth and residents of informal settlements will enhance the study's impact, inspire the next generation to protect the environment, and contribute meaningfully to equitable urban planning, he added.

Professor Mohammad Zashim Uddin of the University of Dhaka's Department of Botany said, "Dhaka belongs to all of us. Over time, however, we have lost the abundant trees that once blessed our beloved city. To restore that serene green beauty, we must plant trees in harmony with nature and seasonal variations. 

"We are hopeful that the administrator will indeed take initiatives to design Dhaka in tune with nature."