Ratio of parks
Monday, 14 July 2008
The ratio of parks to residents in Dhaka city must be a very poor. The balance is heavily against the residents. But parks are like the lungs of a city, specially a huge city of about 15 million inhabitants, which Dhaka is today.
The only sight of greenery, a touch with nature, a whiff of fresh air and glimpses of birds may be expected in the reserved areas called parks. But a major environmental problem for Dhaka's residents is that its parks are fewer in number compared to the need. Then again some are shabby and infested with elements that vitiate the atmosphere, peace and tranquillity. People can rightly expect, but do not get what they want in such a park.
A glaring example is the Osmany Uddayan. Located in the heart of the capital, this park should be able to attract people keen to escape for a while from the din and bustle of city life. But a photograph published by a newspaper showed sometime ago that the trees were planted there long ago and those are dying due to lack of care. People also fear to visit the place. No care of the park is taken. Squatters set up shanties to make it their abode. Drug-addicts frequent it. A similar situation prevails at the National Botanical Garden and the Mirpur Zoo, which originally had a park-like character. There are small community parks - specially in the old city - which have been spoiled by intruders and anti-social elements.
The quality of life in the city is deteriorating fast. One of the main reasons for the deterioration is the shocking neglect in maintaining the parks. The parks must be freed from any activity that degrade them. Regular and systematic care is needed to the improve the parks.
Shamim
Nayapaltan, Dhaka.
The only sight of greenery, a touch with nature, a whiff of fresh air and glimpses of birds may be expected in the reserved areas called parks. But a major environmental problem for Dhaka's residents is that its parks are fewer in number compared to the need. Then again some are shabby and infested with elements that vitiate the atmosphere, peace and tranquillity. People can rightly expect, but do not get what they want in such a park.
A glaring example is the Osmany Uddayan. Located in the heart of the capital, this park should be able to attract people keen to escape for a while from the din and bustle of city life. But a photograph published by a newspaper showed sometime ago that the trees were planted there long ago and those are dying due to lack of care. People also fear to visit the place. No care of the park is taken. Squatters set up shanties to make it their abode. Drug-addicts frequent it. A similar situation prevails at the National Botanical Garden and the Mirpur Zoo, which originally had a park-like character. There are small community parks - specially in the old city - which have been spoiled by intruders and anti-social elements.
The quality of life in the city is deteriorating fast. One of the main reasons for the deterioration is the shocking neglect in maintaining the parks. The parks must be freed from any activity that degrade them. Regular and systematic care is needed to the improve the parks.
Shamim
Nayapaltan, Dhaka.