A new wave of unplanned urbanisation over the last decade has changed the landscape of Dhaka. The construction of high-rises has overthrown Dhaka’s lands and playgrounds. The consequences of unplanned urbanisation are already evident in the poor living condition.
Unbridled urbanisation has made Dhaka vulnerable to both natural and man-made hazards. Devastating fires and building collapse have become common phenomena in the capital. It is disconcerting to note that many buildings are rising without proper zoning concept and guidelines as the city authorities allow poorly constructed buildings and old buildings to live. These buildings are very much vulnerable to earthquake, fire hazards and other types of building collapse causing unnecessary deaths.
Unbridled urbanisation has made
Dhaka vulnerable to both natural
and man-made hazards
Apart from the aforementioned vulnerabilities the urban habitants are living with increased risk of industrial hazards and health related risks. Increasing number of industrial complexes is taking place with rapid urbanisation and when a natural or man-made disaster occurs in an urban area, these industrial complexes and hazardous materials cause considerable disasters such as fire, explosions, radioactive radiation and so on.
Strengthening urban governance has become more than a necessity. Also, In order to make Dhaka more resilient to disasters, proper implementation of land use plan and enforcement of building code have become very much pertinent. Multi-hazard approaches need to be ensured in policies, regulations and plans to reduce urban risk that will make Dhaka safer in the long-run.
We must have a good control over the entire practice of design and construction of structures. Stakeholders and experts from related arena who are properly trained should work together under one umbrella to ensure a risk resilient infrastructure system. Needless to mention, we can reduce loss of human life and properties if the entire system can be brought under a well-planned strategy.
