Increasing temperature of Dhaka city

The weather of Dhaka is getting warmer with every passing year. Now-a-days, the weather does not seem to cool off even during the night time.

Of course, climate change is a factor. But if one goes out of Dhaka city, one will see that the temperature outside Dhaka is cooler than inside it.

This is most likely due to the absence of vegetation in Dhaka. Trees and plants help to cool down the weather and maintain the balance in temperature.

Even before the 2000s, Dhaka had some lush, green patches. Most important roads of the city had tall trees on either side of it. Areas like Sher-e-Bangla nagar, Siddheshwari, Motijheel, Paltan, Dhaka University area, Old Dhaka, Dhanmondi, Azimpur and others had rows of trees. Most areas also had their own parks.

Now the city has very few green belts. There is even fewer number of parks. Most open spaces have been grabbed by real estate companies.

Dhaka's citizens of the city are facing more heat due to these reasons. Steps need to be taken to ensure that this crisis is not faced by future generations. While the government can ensure new parks and green belts across the city, people can plant more trees in pots and in their yards. Some people are also engaging themselves in rooftop gardens. These steps, along with newer ones, should continue.

Mohammed Sohel Hara

Banasree, Dhaka

[email protected]