Rajshahi, A pollution free city: Effects of implied elements and battery rickshaw towards a sustainable environment

Abstract

This paper describes how the city of Rajshahi fought back air pollution through adopting mitigation measures by identifying every possible contributing factors of the pollution. The paper also includes how implementing battery operated rickshaw as a means of intercity transportation impacted the pollution level and contributed towards sustainable environment. The paper covers the details about the problem identification process and the mitigation measures taken by the engineers in the Rajshahi City Corporation. As a result of the steps taken, Rajshahi showed a 67.2% percent decline in concentration of PM10 particles, from 195 micrograms per cubic meter of air volume in 2014 to 64 micrograms for cubic meters. This was the largest percentage reduction in PM10 concentration worldwide. PM2.5 concentration also nearly halved from 70 micrograms per cubic meter to micrograms per cubic meter. The report where this achievement was announced was published by World Health Organization (WHO). By analyzing the discussion it was concluded that Rajshahi was a model city and can be considered as a benchmark and ideal for other cities to follow to reduce air pollution and create a sustainable environment.