Dhaka is one of the world’s most populous megacities and a major contributor to country’s economic transformation. But like many cities, Dhaka is facing a good many challenges. Unplanned construction of high-rises, poor road network, weak traffic management and lack of other facilities are making Dhaka an unlivable city day by day.
Dhaka has become one of the most unlivable cities and the most polluted one in the world. A recent study says Dhaka is now one of the fastest-warming cities in the world. Traffic gridlock is a common phenomenon in the city, forcing commuters to walk to their respective destinations amid rain, scorching heat and dust.
This standoff continues plunging the city’s public transportation system into further chaos, causing immense sufferings to them. Many areas in the capital city of Dhaka witnessed severe waterlogging due to the rain during this monsoon throwing the normal life out of gear.
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.
Dhaka witnessed severe
waterlogging due to the rain
during this monsoon throwing
the normal life out of gear
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. The authorities concerned have also 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. 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.
This is in fact nothing new for the dwellers living in capital Dhaka. They are experiencing terrible traffic jam, heat wave, water-logging and dust pollution. 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. We know that nothing can be changed overnight. But this time we want to say the authorities concerned should make this initiative a reality.
