Editorial
Policymakers can no longer turn a blind eye
The report entitled “Enhancing Opportunities for Clean and Resilient Growth in Urban Bangladesh” unveiled by the World Bank is yet another reminder for policymakers and the people of the country of the monumental environmental costs of unplanned urbanisation and the lack of implementation of existing environmental laws. The statistics are shocking: nearly 2.34 lakh deaths in Bangladesh due to environmental pollution and related health risks in 2015, of which 18,000 lives were lost in Dhaka city. Today, Bangladesh is one of the worst affected countries in the world.
Both the economic costs and health implications of unbridled pollution are so severe that letting environmental pollution go unaddressed could lead to the stunting of our economic growth and even a public health crisis. The issues of encroachment upon wetlands, water pollution and air pollution, to name a few, must be seriously addressed.
Furthermore, the general lack of awareness among the populace is a major issue. For instance, how many of us know just how critically high the level of indoor pollution is? According to the WB report, air pollution is the highest in South Asian countries with fine particulate matter measuring at 2.5 microgram both indoor and outdoor.
We understand that bringing environmental pollution under control is a formidable task. But with the necessary political will, it can be overcome. The WB has made several good recommendations which the government should take into consideration. These include institutional reforms for urban governance, making the environment clearance process more transparent and holding officials accountable. There is no alternative to ensuring accountability and transparency and strict implementation of existing environmental laws. The media is prepared to assist the government in its endeavours and we hope the issue is declared as priority number one by policymakers.
- Courtesy: The Daily Star /Sep 18, 2018
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