Urban experts and academicians underlined on Monday the need for including opinions of all stakeholders in the proposed Dhaka Structure Plan to make it more purposeful and time-befitting.
They observed that in the present draft, views and opinions of many stakeholders were not reflected so far. If any such structure plan is finalised, it will obviously make it questionable in the sense that the plan is prepared to serve the interest of a certain quarter, not the people.
They also called upon the Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (RAJUK) to go ahead with its fresh development plans without fearing any quarter.
The suggestions came at the concluding session of a two-day seminar organised by the Rajuk on 'Draft Dhaka Structure Plan' at its auditorium in the city.
Moderated by Rajuk member (development) Abdur Rahman, the session was addressed by eminent architect and Bangladesh Paribesh Andolon member secretary Iqbal Habib, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) professor at the urban and regional planning department Ishrat Islam, Centre for Urban Studies chairman Professor Nazrul Islam, Bangladesh Institute of Planners (BIP) general secretary Akhter Mahmud and Jahangirnagar University professor Abul Kalam,.
Iqbal Habib said the structure plan or detailed area plan (DAP) is done based on various views exchanged. Without participatory views from the stakeholders any such plan will be irrelevant as has been the case for this proposed structure plan (2016-2035).
"You went to BAPA or BIP office and exchanged views. Later on, you never include our opinions, never called us again. Then how do you expect our participation?" he asked. "You did not follow the proper process to ensure participation of the stakeholders," he added.
He warned of not even thinking of finalising Dhaka Structure Plan before giving it enough time, ensure participation and include views and opinions of all the stakeholders.
"If you do so, you will have to face us as we will make the people understand that if this document does not serve their purpose, it must be serving the interest of certain groups," said the environment activist.
Mr Iqbal said any development plan must give priority to the sufferings of majority people and not a small number of people.
Mr Iqbal also emphasised the need for a custodian of this plan.
"Whom will you hand over the structure plan? Obviously to the four mayors," he said.
He noted that the major weakness of the last DAP was that no rules could be prepared or no authority was designated to execute the DAP.
The speakers suggested balanced development in Dhaka city, along with an accommodation plan for the low income, lower middle or middle income people. They also called for ensuring the transportation, mobility and transport modality plans for the 78-84 per cent people of the city and not to invest in mega projects like flyover, elevated expressway for the car owners.
Nazrul Islam suggested inclusion of the overall urban system in the plan and mentioning the importance of Dhaka there and the hierarchy of urban centres.
He identified the absence of an important chapter like Social Structure of Dhaka in the plan.
"We hear that thousands of flats and houses are still unsold as the housing companies could not understand the social structure of people in Dhaka. They did not build houses for low, lower middle or middle income people," he said.
He suggested taking into consideration other publications on Dhaka and consult Dhaka experts.
"Rajuk has been turning around. Do not fear anybody, as we are with you," he said.
Akhter Mahmud said this planning never involved any professional organisation like architects, engineers, planners and environmentalists from the very beginning.
"We must scrutinise the 132 policies and then finalise the draft plan," he said.
Ishrat Islam said the experience in case of DAP was very sad. This time Rajuk seems to be sincere in including the opinions of the stakeholders. It could have been better, if they did it earlier.
If the reality of Dhaka has changed, then it is mandatory to conduct a primary survey which has been refused by the authority.
"If there is no scope for primary survey to collect updated data, then how can Rajuk prepare a plan for 2035?," she asked. If the proposed structure plan is called a review plan, then what are being reviewed and based on which data and information?
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