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Effective dust, waste management can lower air pollution 

Published : Saturday, 10 May, 2025 at 12:00 AM  Count : 409
Asif Al Mahmood
With Dhaka consistently ranking among the world's most polluted cities, air pollution has become an increasing worry for both its inhabitants and officials. A major factor in air pollution is the enormous quantity of dust and refuse produced by roadwork, construction activities, and haphazard urban development. Experts emphasize that coordinating government bodies and private stakeholders, along with utilizing better technology, can decrease dust pollution and enhance air quality.

Frequent road excavations for utility purposes are a significant contributor to dust pollution in Dhaka. These regular interruptions add to dust pollution and create major traffic congestion, resulting in increased emissions of toxic gases from cars. A report from the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (2023) indicates that these persistent disruptions play a major role in the city's deteriorating air quality.

Many road works use low-quality materials, improper waste disposal, and unregulated practices, worsening the problem. The lack of permanent utility infrastructure leads to repeated work, increasing dust and debris. A study found that substandard construction practices in Dhaka contribute significantly to air pollution due to poor site waste management.

Experts maintain that addressing this issue requires coordinated efforts among local and national government entities, private construction firms, and utility providers. The absence of coordination among the parties involved leads to inefficiency, as various agencies are excavating the same streets. A collaborative planning system for coordinated utility work should be mandated by the government. The World Bank (2020) emphasizes that coordinated urban planning minimizes disruptions, enhances resource management, and improves urban environments. Moreover, it is important to motivate the private sector to embrace optimal practices, which encompass the use of contemporary equipment in order to reduce waste and dust. Using high-tech vacuum trucks to clean up dust and debris at construction sites, for example, can significantly alter the situation. According to the World Bank (2020), such innovations could alleviate the burden of air pollution in cities like Dhaka, providing a sustainable solution for urban infrastructure management.

To permanently cut down on dust and waste from roadworks, a thorough underground utility system should be put in place. The city can minimize dust and reduce the need for frequent excavations by implementing a unified network for water, gas, and electricity. According to the World Bank (2020), cities that have integrated underground utilities experience fewer disruptions and reduced air pollution from road works.

Furthermore, methods for dust control, such as water spraying systems, can diminish airborne particles during roadwork activities. Utility installations can be tracked using digital mapping tools, which help to reduce future excavations and guarantee that road works are completed on schedule.


It is also essential to guarantee top-notch construction work in order to control dust and waste effectively. Work of low quality often results in cracks and the need for rework, which wastes time and resources while perpetuating disruptions in urban areas. To avoid having to repair things multiple times, the government should establish stringent quality standards for all construction and roadwork. As per the World Bank (2020), investing in high-quality infrastructure can lower long-term maintenance expenses and enhance urban sustainability.

Private companies should be incentivized to invest in durable, sustainable materials that require fewer interventions. "Green" construction practices, focusing on sustainable materials and waste reduction, should be prioritized in both public and private projects. Research shows that cities with high construction standards experience fewer disruptions and less environmental degradation.

The role of local communities and citizens in reducing dust pollution should not be overlooked. Authorities should engage with residents through awareness programs on the importance of waste management and reducing unnecessary burning of waste.

Dhaka's air pollution requires a coordinated approach from all stakeholders. By using advanced technology and investing in underground utilities, the city can reduce dust and waste and create a more sustainable environment. The future of Dhaka lies in long-term planning, collaboration, and the adoption of innovative technologies.

The writer is a contributor



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