Experts at a programme on Sunday blamed various factors including air, water and noise pollution, poor waste management, grabbing of natural water-bodies and rising temperature of the cities for the increase in incidence of various communicable and non-communicable diseases in the urban areas.
Other factors including overcrowded cities and fall in greeneries along with pressure of daily life in the cities have been contributing in the declining mental and physical health of people, they observed.
The experts suggested controlling population density immediately, ensuring facilities and utility services for the citizens, creating parks, playgrounds, open spaces and water-bodies and planning future cities by giving priority to public health.
The experts said these at a webinar on 'Town Planning for Public Health' while observing World Town Planning Day 2020, which falls on November 08.
Bangladesh Institute of Planners (BIP) organised the discussion where State Minister for Housing Sharif Ahmed was present as the chief guest.
BIP president Professor Akter Mahmud presented the keynote paper.
In his presentation, planner Akter Mahmud said the cities of Bangladesh have been loosing livability due to fast urbanisation accompanied by dense population.
Various actions including fast urbanisation, pollution, garbage, rising temperature and loss in the natural water-bodies combined with stress of urban life have been contributing in health risk in the cities.
"In this context, the highest priority of public health is required in urban planning in future if we want to make the cities and habitats livable," he said.
In his welcome address, vice president of BIP planner Ariful Islam laid emphasis on the measures to control infectious diseases in the cities through proper land use, controlling population density to ensure livability.
He also recommended arranging park, playground, water-bodies and open space in every ward to ensure public health under a proper planning to develop infrastructure.
BIP adviser Professor Abul Kalam said the city-centric activities have a relation with public health.
If urban planning does not get due importance in city activities, public health will be at risk.
Brac urban development programme (climate change) director Liakat Ali stressed on coordination of slum and public health.
The urban planning must be people centric keeping in mind the slum-dwellers, he said, adding, there is insufficient light in slums, where it is impossible to follow social distancing and ensure healthy life.
[email protected]
