At present, Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, is undergoing a worsening environmental condition marked by concerns like haze, limited water supply, and the occurrence of the urban heat island effect. The urban heat island effect signifies a phenomenon wherein the city’s temperature surpasses that of the neighboring rural areas. Dhaka has recently been facing some of its most extreme heatwaves in recent history, with temperatures soaring above 40 degrees Celsius, the highest in 58 years. However, the perceived heat in Dhaka feels even more intense, with a noticeable difference of 5-6 degrees Celsius above the recorded temperature. The question arises: What is the cause behind this heightened sensation of heat in Dhaka?
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According to experts, this intensified perception of heat can be attributed primarily to human activities, specifically the unconsidered development of infrastructure that leads to the destruction of natural open water sources and green spaces. These human interventions disrupt the natural cooling mechanisms and exacerbate the urban heat island effect, contributing to the amplified heat experienced by the residents of Dhaka. This claim is supported by both global and local studies. A field survey carried out by the Centre for Atmospheric Pollution Studies (CAPS) in 2017 provides evidence in this regard. The survey discovered that heavily urbanized regions of Dhaka experienced temperatures 3-5 degrees Celsius higher during the summer compared to areas with more green coverage and water bodies. Dr. Ahmad Kamruzzaman Majumder, the Director of CAPS, explained that a higher presence of trees in an environment leads to a reduction in the perceived heat. Consequently, the scarcity of adequate green spaces and water bodies in Dhaka exacerbates the heat-related issues in the city.
Regrettably, the expansive capital city of Dhaka lacks sufficient greenery and water bodies to provide a cooling effect for its population of 1.3 crore. Over the years, Dhaka has experienced substantial loss in terms of its green spaces and open water bodies, such as canals, floodplains, and water retention zones.
WHY DO CITIES NEED WATER BODIES
Water bodies are of utmost importance in upholding the ecological equilibrium and enhancing the aesthetics of a city. They serve various essential functions, including rainwater drainage to prevent waterlogging, groundwater replenishment, and temperature regulation. These aspects greatly contribute to the socioeconomic value of a city, enhance its reputation, and make it more livable. Unfortunately, Dhaka has been grappling with substantial challenges concerning its water bodies, resulting in adverse repercussions.
The availability of water retention areas in Dhaka has been gradually decreasing over time. According to a study conducted by the Bangladesh Institute of Planners (BIP), urban planning guidelines recommend that a city should have water bodies covering approximately 10-15% of its total area. However, Dhaka has experienced a significant decline in the proportion of water bodies. In 1999, water bodies accounted for more than 14% of the city’s total area, but by 2019, that figure had dwindled to just over 4%. The study also highlights that between 1999 and 2010, an average of 5,757 acres of water bodies were lost each year in the Dhaka metropolitan area and its surroundings. Detailed Area Plan data further indicates that between 2010 and 2019, Dhaka city area alone lost 22% of the over 100,000 acres of water bodies, including floodplains, water retention areas, canals, rivers, and other open surface water sources.
Both governmental and private development projects have played a role in the filling of more than a third of the water bodies in the Dhaka metropolitan area alone. This detrimental trend has particularly affected suburban regions such as Rupganj, Keraniganj, Savar, and Gazipur, where natural water bodies have depleted by 41%, 21%, 15%, and 17% respectively.
According to experts, an ideal city should have a minimum of 15% of its area covered by surface water. However, Dhaka, due to its overcrowded nature, had only 4.38% of its area covered by water bodies four years ago, and the situation has likely deteriorated further, as ongoing research suggests.
The deteriorating environmental conditions in Dhaka have become a pressing concern, as evidenced by the city experiencing a 58-year high temperature of 40.5 degrees Celsius. Furthermore, the average temperature in the country during April of this year was 7-9 degrees Celsius above the normal levels. The reduction of trees and surface water has significantly contributed to the discomforting heat, posing challenges for the city’s residents.
IS THERE ANY PREVENTIVE STEPS?
The filling of water bodies and the destruction of green spaces in Dhaka have raised serious concerns among experts and officials. Adil Mohammed Khan, the president of BIP, has drawn attention to the adverse impacts of water body filling in areas such as Aminbazar and Ashulia, located on the outskirts of the city. He expressed disappointment over the lack of substantial government action against encroachment and land-filling, with no apparent efforts from various government agencies. The absence of effective measures to address these pressing issues raises questions about the long-term sustainability and survival of the city.
Regrettably, it has come to light that certain government agencies have been involved in the filling of water bodies for building construction purposes. One such example is the Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC), which has undertaken a plan to construct a research facility in Gabtoli, reportedly obstructing a natural drainage system. This action has sparked concerns since the drainage water from various areas used to flow into the land known as Kallyanpur Regulation Pond before reaching the Turag River. In response to this issue, the Dhaka North City Corporation has urged the BADC to immediately halt the construction of the building in that area, recognizing the potential consequences and the importance of preserving natural drainage systems.
The Dhaka North City Corporation has also faced criticism for its involvement in the removal of trees to facilitate infrastructure development. In response to these concerns, the mayor has provided reassurance to the citizens by stating that trees “will be planted in these places again.” The intention is to address the loss of greenery and mitigate the environmental impact caused by tree removal through future reforestation efforts.
The state of greenery in Dhaka is currently unfavorable. As per the BIP, nearly 82% of the city’s total area was occupied by concrete structures in 2019, marking an increase from 64% two decades prior. Despite these concerns, the filling of water bodies and the removal of green areas for infrastructure development have persisted. It is highly probable that further areas have been lost since the study period, underscoring IS THERE ANY PREVENTIVE STEPS? the urgent necessity for immediate action to address this escalating issue.
Indeed, there is always hope for positive change. It is of utmost importance to prioritize the protection and conservation of the remaining water bodies and green spaces in Dhaka. Preventing further encroachment and destruction should be a key objective. By implementing measures that prioritize the preservation of these natural elements, Dhaka can take significant steps towards maintaining a healthier and more sustainable environment for its residents.
THERE ARE WAYS
Urban planners stress the significance of integrating rivers, canals, and other water bodies into development plans. Over the years, at least three laws have been enacted or amended to protect natural water bodies, indicating their recognized importance. It is vital that these laws are effectively enforced to prevent illegal land-filling by developers, as recommended by the planners’ body. Additionally, the Bangladesh Institute of Planners (BIP) emphasizes the necessity of conducting economic analyses of water bodies and highlights the approach taken by other countries, which consider the economic, social, and cultural values associated with water bodies to raise awareness among people.
Another effective strategy to mitigate the urban heat island effect is to promote the increased planting of deciduous trees in urban settings.
Another effective strategy to mitigate the urban heat island effect is to promote the increased planting of deciduous trees in urban settings. Deciduous trees, known for shedding their leaves with seasonal changes, offer numerous advantages to cities like Dhaka. In the summertime, these trees provide shade, which helps to lower the surrounding temperature and alleviate the impact of urban heat. Moreover, through the process of transpiration, deciduous trees release water vapor into the atmosphere, effectively cooling the air and creating a more comfortable environment for residents.
There are several native or commonly found deciduous tree species in Bangladesh that can be utilized to mitigate temperature in Dhaka, such as Neem, Rain Tree, Jackfruit, Mango, and Mahogany. These trees possess unique characteristics that make them suitable for urban environments, including their ability to tolerate poor soil conditions, provide ample shade, stabilize the soil with their extensive roots, and yield high-quality timber.
To encourage the widespread planting of deciduous trees in Dhaka, various initiatives are necessary, including public awareness campaigns, urban planning considerations, government support, public-private partnerships, establishment of tree nurseries, community involvement, and tree-planting campaigns. By implementing these measures, Dhaka can make significant progress in maintaining appropriate temperature levels and reducing pollution levels in the city.
WHY DHAKA MATTERS
Dhaka, which houses a substantial portion of Bangladesh’s urban population, has been pivotal in driving the country’s economic growth and employment opportunities. Nonetheless, as Bangladesh aspires to achieve upper middle-income status, the focus of development plans remains largely centered on the capital city. This has resulted in an influx of people towards Dhaka, thereby diminishing its overall livability.
The adverse effects of Dhaka’s diminished livability disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, as emphasized in a blog series article by the World Bank. The article highlights the importance of a livable capital city in Bangladesh’s journey towards upper-middle-income status. With Dhaka accommodating one-third of the nation’s total population, contributing to one-fifth of its GDP, and generating one-third of all jobs, the city’s significance cannot be overlooked.
Regrettably, low-income individuals, primarily residing in congested areas of the city, face a significant disparity in life quality. According to a study published in The Lancet in 2008, their life expectancy is ten years lower compared to their high-income counterparts living in spacious, green neighbourhoods. This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need for improvements. The well-being of low-wage workers, who are vital to the city’s life and economy, is crucial for Dhaka’s progress. To effectively serve the city, it is essential that these workers have access to healthier living conditions. The blog post underscores the significance of utilizing Dhaka as both the economic and political hub for Bangladesh in its pursuit of attaining upper-middle-income status. It draws attention to the successful models of meticulously planned and proficiently developed major cities across the United States, Europe, and Asia, which have become key drivers of global growth. To attain the desired advancement, it is crucial to tackle the livability obstacles confronting Dhaka head-on. By giving utmost importance to sustainable and inclusive development, the city can enhance the standard of living for all its inhabitants, particularly the vulnerable groups, and unlock its potential as a flourishing economic center.
WHERE DHAKA STANDS IN LIVEABILITY INDEX
For several years, Dhaka has maintained a stagnant position on the Economist Intelligence Unit index. Presently, it holds the unenviable rank of 166th out of 172 cities, making it the seventh least livable city globally. It surpasses cities such as Karachi, Algiers, Lagos, and Damascus in the rankings. Since 2016, Dhaka’s overall score has lingered around the 38-39 mark out of 100, with no noteworthy advancements in infrastructure and a decline in scores related to culture and environment.
These rankings reveal that despite ongoing efforts to construct extensive infrastructure projects, Dhaka’s livability has not experienced significant qualitative improvements. In fact, the city’s cultural and environmental aspects have deteriorated, which are vital factors in assessing livability. With a score of 39.2, Dhaka lags far behind Vienna, the most livable city in the world, which scores 99.1. Nevertheless, there is still room for optimism. Research indicates that although water bodies and green spaces are diminishing rapidly, the situation can be remedied if development plans prioritize environmental protection.
In conclusion, it is imperative to address the aforementioned issues and restore a harmonious balance between urban development and environmental preservation in Dhaka. The current situation is clearly unsustainable, and without prompt action, the consequences will extend beyond just the impoverished population; our entire urban economy will come under strain. Uncontrolled urbanization in Dhaka must be effectively restrained, and the authorities need to demonstrate their commitment to creating a livable city by implementing tangible measures to mitigate heat stress. Incorporating more green spaces and water bodies into the city’s infrastructure should be prioritized, ensuring a more pleasant and livable environment for all residents.
