The air quality in Dhaka was recorded as 'moderate' on Wednesday morning (November 11), according to reports. Meanwhile, Pakistan's Lahore has emerged as the most polluted city in the world during the same period.
Position on the Air Quality Index
Reports from Bangladesh Pratidin and Kaler Kantho indicate that, based on data from international air quality monitoring agencies, Lahore is currently at the top of the global pollution chart. In contrast, Dhaka holds the eighth position on this list.With Dhaka's air quality being classified as 'moderate', residents of the city may find some relief. Typically, at the onset of winter, Dhaka's air quality index (AQI) often deteriorates to 'poor' or 'unhealthy' levels, but today's situation is comparatively better.
AQI Scale and Health Risks
A higher AQI value indicates greater levels of air pollution. The 'moderate' category generally falls between 51 and 100 on the index, which poses a slight risk to sensitive groups but is not considered severely harmful to the general public. However, reports state that Lahore's current air quality is at a 'hazardous' level.Experts note that during winter, atmospheric stability traps pollutants near the surface, exacerbating air pollution in South Asian cities. Both Lahore and Dhaka face this issue, though Lahore's current situation is far more severe.