Future of Dhaka city
Thursday, 5 June 2008
DHAKA, a mega city, would acquire the new status of 'meta' city as its population is set to increase to 20 million or more by 2020, according to discussions at a recent seminar. But somehow, Dhaka is a poorly planned city. Unlike other mega cities of the world Dhaka has grown in an unplanned manner. It is still growing without a perspective, plan or even without the needed regulations.
Dhaka lacks in basic amenities like clean water supply, power, housing, mass transportation, garbage disposal, parks and venues for recreation for its residents. Its residential, commercial and industrial areas are not segregated.
If Dhaka keeps on growing in the same manner the city could be quite unfit for living before long, the experts have been hammering. They are of the view that such mindless growth of the city should have stopped long ago. Steps are needed, and immediately to prevent further deterioration.
A meticulous short and long term plan is needed immediately for the city's proper upkeep and expansion. The designated body for planning and development of Dhaka, Rajuk, failed to deliver. It needs be restructured and revamped to make it a dynamic organisation capable of planning for the future of Dhaka. It would be equally important to start mobilisation of resources, right from now, to build and develop all the needed infrastructure and the basic utility services so that the city can support its fast rising population.
Shakeel Quasem
Magbazar, Dhaka.
Dhaka lacks in basic amenities like clean water supply, power, housing, mass transportation, garbage disposal, parks and venues for recreation for its residents. Its residential, commercial and industrial areas are not segregated.
If Dhaka keeps on growing in the same manner the city could be quite unfit for living before long, the experts have been hammering. They are of the view that such mindless growth of the city should have stopped long ago. Steps are needed, and immediately to prevent further deterioration.
A meticulous short and long term plan is needed immediately for the city's proper upkeep and expansion. The designated body for planning and development of Dhaka, Rajuk, failed to deliver. It needs be restructured and revamped to make it a dynamic organisation capable of planning for the future of Dhaka. It would be equally important to start mobilisation of resources, right from now, to build and develop all the needed infrastructure and the basic utility services so that the city can support its fast rising population.
Shakeel Quasem
Magbazar, Dhaka.