Introduction
Environmental pollution is defined as “The
contamination of physical and biological components
of the earth/atmosphere system to such an exent
that normal environmental processes are adverserly
affected.”
Air Pollution
Air pollution is contamination of the indoor or outdoor environment by any chemical,physical or
biological agent that modifies the natural characteristics of the atmosphere.Air Pollution is the
release of pollutants such as gases,particles,biological molecules etc. into the air that is harmful
to human health and the environment.Chattogram facing air pollution from thousands of unfit
vehicles reached 100 per cent against its maximum tolerable level of hard ridge smoke unit of 65
per cent.Besides,pollution from dusts has also reached 500 plus microgram though its tolerable
level is considered 200 microgram suspended particulates matter. Environmentalists blamed
smoked air caused by unfit vehicles,coupled with dusts from open space for such environmental
degradation in the city.
Water Pollution
Water pollution is the contamination of water sources by substances which make the water
unusable for drinking,cooking,cleaning,swimming and other activities.Water pollution is when
waste chemicals or other particles cause a body of water(rivers,oceans,lakes) to become
harmful to the fish and animals that need the water to survive.The River Karnaphuli-the lifeline
of port city Chattogram-is gradually choking to death on indiscriminate dumping of household
and industrial wastes,unchecked environmental pollution and unabated encroachment.From
Tk9,000-crore government projects to a High Court directive to a master plan-nothing seems
to be working to protect the river.Large-scale encroachment of the riverbed by establishing
hundreds of household and commercial buildings and their wastes have continually shrunk the
once mighty Karnaphuli to almost a canal.
Noise Pollution
Noise pollution can be defined as any disturbing or unwanted noise that interferes or harms
humans or wildlife.People of different strata in Chattogram are facing noise pollution caused by
the hydraulic horns,power generators and wielding engineering workshops located in and
around residential areas.They said noise affects children physically and psychologically while
normal life is being hampered by round-the-clock operations of the power generators in different
posh residence in the city and wielding engineering workshops.Experts said noise pollutions
have reached nearly 200 decibel against its tolerable level of 60 decibel.Department of
Environment (DoE),Chattogram office sources said the noise pollution is very high in a few jam-
packed places of the city including Bahaddarhat crossing,GEC crossing,Newmarket,Agrabad,
Chawkbazar and Andarkillah.
Soil Pollution
Soil pollution in Chattogram is mainly caused by industrial activities including heavy metal
pollution from industrial effluents and toxic chemicals from agricultural practices.Industrial
activities in and around Chattogram have released untreated waste and toxic chemicals into
the soil,resulting in severe soil pollution in some areas.Soil pollution in Chattogram is a
significant environmental and health hazard for the city's residents.Soil pollution can lead to
the accumulation of toxins in crops and foodstuffs,leading to serious health problems such as
cancer,respiratory and skin diseases.Implementation of effective regulations and policies to
control industrial activities and enforce environmental laws is essential to address the problem
of soil pollution in Chattogram.It is also important to promote sustainable agricultural practices,
including organic farming and the use of natural fertilizers to reduce the use of toxic chemicals.
Conclusion
The environmental pollution in Chittagong, Bangladesh is a significant
issue that requires urgent attention and action from both the
government and the private sector. To prevent pollution, it is essential
to implement sustainable and environmentally friendly practices. These
may include:
1. Encouraging and enforcing the use of pollution control technologies
in industries, power plants, and transportation systems.
2. Properrr disposal of industrial and domestic waste, including the
installation of treatment plants.
3. Promoting the use of renewable energy sources, such as solar and
wind power, to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
4. Implementing strict environmental regulations and monitoring
systems and enforcing penalties for non-compliance.
5. Encouraging public awareness and education on the importance of
environmental protection and pollution prevention.
By implementing these measures, Chittagong can reduce its pollution
levels and improve the quality of life for its residents. It is essential to
take immediate action to prevent further damage to the environment
and to promote sustainable development for the future.