An environmental problem in your area

The biggest environmental problem where I live, in Dhaka, is air pollution. In winter especially, Dhaka is often listed among the most polluted cities in the world, and some mornings you can actually see a grey haze over the buildings.

There are several causes. One is the brick kilns around the city, which burn coal and sometimes even old tyres. Another is traffic, particularly old buses and trucks with poorly maintained engines. Construction is a third cause; there are open building sites everywhere, and dust blows straight into the streets. And in the dry season there's very little rain to clean the air.

The effects on people are serious. Many of my friends have constant coughs from November to February, and doctors say asthma among children is rising. My own grandmother has to stay indoors on bad days. It also affects the economy, because people miss work and spend money on medicine.

As for solutions, I think there are a few realistic steps. The government could enforce existing rules more strictly, for example closing illegal brick kilns and pushing them to use cleaner technology. Old vehicles that fail emission tests should be taken off the road. Construction sites could be required to cover materials and spray water. On a personal level, people can use public transport and wear masks on bad days. None of these are easy, but without action the problem will only get worse as the city grows.