Better safe than sorry

The High Court has recently ordered the authorities to demolish the 15-storey BGMEA building on the Begunbari-Hatirjheel canal, as the building was constructed without approval from RAJUK. Certainly, question arises, why the authorities concerned did not take any measures earlier to stop this construction. This building was not constructed within a few days rather it took some years to complete. This is not the only illegal structure and according to RAJUK there are several thousand of such illegal structures in the capital. Surely, there is an absence of discipline and we the people are observing this every day. Besides, illegal construction, land grabbing is rampant in the capital. These activities are serious threats to the quality of life and environment in the city. Some cities in the developing world are already facing critical environmental degradation. This is the result of over-exploitation of surface water sources, improper waste disposal, contamination of rivers and streams, the reckless extraction of water from depleted aquifers, and a long list of service management deficiencies. Similarly, our city life is becoming tensed steadily because of the pollution, chaos, congestion, potholed roads, foul smell and many other problems. Certainly, a sound and healthy lifestyle, that a man deserves to lead, is nearly impossible in Dhaka. Land-grabbing is happening all around. Increasing population has created high demand for land for housing and other necessary infrastructures. This is the core reason behind increased land price and thus alluring grabbers to snatch land. The quality of the environment depends on the quality of infrastructures to a great extent. Utility services like sanitation, sewerage, drainage, water supply, garbage disposal etc. are important infrastructures for maintaining a safe environment. But all these services are grossly inadequate for a city like Dhaka. The population pressure along with the absence of land use policy is the main reason behind Dhaka's abysmal look. Moreover, land grabbers and developers, violating rules and regulations, are putting both present and future generations in danger. It is appalling to see the water bodies becoming nearly invisible in the city. Once, water of the river Buriganga was crystal clear. But indiscriminate dumping of wastes as well as mindless grabbing has made it completely polluted. Despite, government's various initiatives, grabbers are still in business. With a shower of rain for 15-20 minutes, major portions of the city roads get inundated. The situation becomes unbearable for the commuters and drivers due to the absence of manhole covers and pot holes in the streets. Moreover, various departments of the government start their maintenance work of road, sewerage and drainage systems mostly during the rainy season and the cumulative effects of all these are well documented. But who will bell the cat? There are many laws in our country but their implementation is lacking. Year after year, land grabbers go unpunished but this cannot happen anymore. The Dhaka City Corporation (DCC) and RAJUK should strictly enforce all rules and regulations relating to land use and construction within the city. But many argue that both the DCC and RAJUK have manpower shortage. For the sustainability of the city, reforms of these organisations including manpower recruitment process should be made as early as possible. The future of the city seems very gloomy. The population has already crossed 15 million and the city alone consumes the bulk of the country's energy and according to some estimates, the waste generated in the city is about 5000 tonnes per day. This will only increase due to ever-growing population and subsequent infrastructural works in the city. The danger is not limited to this but there is an ever-growing apprehension regarding the poor quality of construction works. According to RAJUK, several thousand buildings are vulnerable to earthquakes of even a moderate magnitude. The authorities, city dwellers, businessmen all are responsible for today's unplanned development which may lead to a massive disaster. Just imagine if there is no power and gas for two or three days then what would be the situation. Today, sustainable development is a great challenge given that the challenge of climate change and food security coupled with the population boom. A pragmatic land use policy, that will save arable lands, should be adopted and further expansion of the mega-city should be stopped. For this, decentralisation is needed. It is still not too late and a lot can be done for the city's regeneration. But there should more discipline and effective coordination among the various government departments. It is easier, more safe and wise to save our natural resources like rivers than to refine after polluting carelessly. Again, it is also easier to solve the problems now than later. Certainly, it is better to be safe than to be sorry. (The writer can be reached at e-mail: shafiqul0032@yahoo.com)