Dhaka:Growing air pollution from industries and factories surrounding the Sundarbans poses a severe threat to the long-term ecological health of the world's largest mangrove forest, experts have warned.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the increasing atmospheric pollution is undermining the ecological resilience of the Sundarbans, a natural tiger habitat in Bangladesh, by disrupting plant physiology. This disruption hampers photosynthesis and stunts plant growth, which is vital for the broader ecosystem.
A recent study conducted by the Center for Environmental and Geographic Information Services (CEGIS) and the Arannayk Foundation highlighted alarming levels of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) in various locations of the Sundarbans. The research, conducted in early 2024 and 2025, reported PM2.5 concentrations as high as 102 micrograms per cubic meter in Sharankhola range, with PM10 levels peaking at 114 micrograms per cubic meter.
Experts attribute the deteriorating air quality to the proliferation of heavy industries and cement factories near the forest. The toxins released by these industries, particularly from clinker processing in cement factories, are a significant contributor to the pollution, leading to long-term ecological damage.
The study recommended the immediate establishment of long-term atmospheric monitoring stations and the use of real-time meteorological data to better understand and mitigate the impact of industrial emissions on the Sundarbans' conservation zones.