According to the latest data from international air quality technology firm IQAir, the air pollution situation in the megacity Dhaka is once again deteriorating. On Tuesday (March 17) at 9:15 AM, Dhaka recorded a score of 152 on the global air quality index, placing it eighth among the world’s most polluted cities.
Based on this Air Quality Index (AQI) score, Dhaka’s air is currently considered “Unhealthy”. Although the city’s air quality has slightly improved in recent days, persistent pollution has increased health risks for residents.
In comparison, Delhi, India, tops the global pollution list with a score of 203, and its air is classified as “Very Unhealthy”, raising serious concern for the general public. Another major Indian city, Kolkata, fares comparatively better with a score of 78, ranking 28th on the list.
Regional Pollution Rankings
- Lahore, Pakistan: Score 179, 3rd place globally
- Karachi, Pakistan: Score 102, 17th place
- Other top ten cities include:
- Beijing, China
- Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Incheon and Seoul, South Korea
- Kampala, Uganda
- Kathmandu, Nepal
- Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
Health Advisory
Environmental scientists categorize AQI scores as follows:
- 0–50: Good
- 51–100: Moderate
- 101–150: Unhealthy for sensitive groups
- 151–200: Unhealthy
- 201–300: Very Unhealthy – vulnerable groups (children, elderly, and patients) advised to stay indoors; healthy individuals should limit outdoor strenuous activity
- Above 300: Hazardous – serious health risks for the entire population
Since Dhaka’s AQI score of 152 falls within the “Unhealthy” range, authorities recommend that the general public exercise special caution when going outside.
This rise in pollution highlights the urgent need for sustainable measures to protect public health in Dhaka and other highly polluted urban centers in the region.
