It is painful to see that the capital Dhaka has become one of the most unlivable cities and the most polluted one in the world. Unplanned construction of high-rises, poor road network, weak traffic management and lack of other facilities are making Dhaka a ‘deadly’ city.
A recent study says Dhaka is now one of the fastest-warming cities in the world, as it has seen a staggering 97 percent rise in the number of days with temperature above 35 degrees Celsius over the last three decades. Besides, the traffic gridlock has now turned into a terrible situation, forcing many commuters to walk to their respective destinations amid scorching sun and dust.
This standoff continues plunging the city’s public transportation system into further chaos, causing immense sufferings to them. people are to spend a lot of money and time due to the chaotic movement of public transport in the city.
Many areas in the capital city of Dhaka witness severe waterlogging due to the rain with the onset of monsoon throwing the normal life out of gear every year. Triggered by active monsoon, Dhaka reels from rainwater with traffic tailback everywhere while commuters are seen wading through rainwater. Most of the city canals, ponds and water bodies under the Ministry of Housing and Public Works, RAJUK and Water Development Board have not been handed over to the two city corporations yet. Dhaka is also becoming a ‘deadly’ city due to unplanned, indiscriminate and illegal underground installation of gas pipe lines. Despite repeated efforts, explosions have been taking place one after another across the city.
Indiscriminate and unauthorised gas connections are still in the system as authorities concerned categorically often say it is not physically possible for them to keep surveillance on the huge network of gas lines in and outside Dhaka city. If a strong earthquake jolts the city, many people will meet tragic end of their lives as there is no mapping of gas lines underground alongside sewerage and electricity.
Prime
minister’s repeated instructions
to turn Dhaka city into a
modern and livable
one fall on deaf ears
The authorities concerned have failed to recover many parks and play grounds in the city from the influential quarters. A liveable and safe city must ensure health security, planned and developed infrastructure, quality education, safe environment and recreation facilities.
It seems prime minister’s repeated instructions to turn Dhaka city into a modern and livable one fall on deaf ears. Integrated urbanisation in Bangladesh is indispensable with its economic growth and increasing population.
Like many Asian cities, Bangladesh has become urbanised very rapidly but its infrastructures have failed to keep pace with the growing needs. Population density is another critical issue, with 400 to 500 people living per acre, compared to the recommended 100 to 120 people.
Although people continue to live in Dhaka, the deteriorating conditions may drive many to flee the city in search of a better quality of life elsewhere. Experts at seminar, symposium and workshop several times discussed the issues. But, apparently no effective measure has been taken yet to address the issue. The air we city people breathe in is very unhealthy. The air pollution turns acute in the capital Dhaka. Air pollution kills many people every year, mainly due to increased mortality from stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and acute respiratory infections. This is in fact nothing new for the dwellers living in capital Dhaka are experiencing terrible dust pollution. Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, was once a dream destination for people from other parts of the country.
Many came in search of livelihood, while others were drawn to the city's beauty. Dhaka was a tidy, pollution-free city. However, over time, it has become an unbearable, monotonous urban sprawl.We all want to live in a modern and healthy atmosphere with our families in the city. The authorities concerned must map out in detail to turn our Dhaka into modern and livable city.
