Before we delve deep into the details of Dhaka Structure Plan 2016-2035, a little history may help you understand the chronology of the project.
The first-ever plan to revive and shape Dhaka into a meticulously beautiful city was conceived in 1958. It was titled Dacca Improvement Trust (DIT) Master Plan. Sadly that 20-year development plan was never put into place. Then again in 1990, the government took another initiative to develop Dhaka into a wonderful planned city. Then a project named the “Preparation of Structure Plan, Master Plan, and Detailed Area Plan for Dhaka” was initiated.
Finally, in 1995, the government adopted its first-ever higher-level plan for Dhaka titled “Dhaka Metropolitan Development Plan (DMDP)” which will be implemented over the next 20 years.
This project was comprised of three sectoral development plans- Structure Plan, Master Plan, and Detailed Area Plan. Later the name Master plan was changed into Urban Area Plan to avoid confusion with an existing act.
But this too was expired with little to no implementation. Then a revised plan was proposed the next year to review the existing DMDP (1995-2015) and prepare an updated strategic plan along with the Detailed Area Plan and Urban Area Plan for the Dhaka Metropolitan Region for the period of 2016-2035.
But today we are gonna discuss the prospects of the Dhaka Structure Plan 2016-2035 and what to expect from it once implemented.
What to expect from Dhaka Structure Plan 2016-2035
The vision of the Dhaka Structure Plan is to make Dhaka a livable, functional, and resilient megacity while keeping the local socio-cultural affairs, and environmental sustainability in mind. That is to say, it will increase the accessibility to services & facilities, boast a healthy natural environment with proper access to transportation. Having that said here is what to expect.
Increased livability
All the plans under the scheme of transforming Dhaka into a more livable place will increase the overall livability by promoting compact urban development and well connected hierarchical transportation network within the Dhaka Metropolitan Region (DMR). It will also revitalize the old Dhaka through selective redevelopment, rehabilitation, and preservation of traditional heritage. To establish effective linkages the plan will promote regional connectivity in order to foster the development in regional centers.
Economic Growth
The plan will help create more employment opportunities; especially for the medium and lower-income groups. It will lift up informal economic activities to a higher level by putting them under a proper regulatory body to boost productivity. There is also a plan to facilitate the workforce of the priority industrial locations with necessary services within affordable commuting distance. The plan will impact the development of the ICT sector in the Dhaka Core area and encourage compact and clustered industrial growth.
Better Public Facilities
One of the prime objectives of the Dhaka Structure Plan is to provide better public facilities by ensuring fundamental civic amenities and facilities to the denizens. That is to say, once implemented, the project will tackle the flooding situation by reducing flood vulnerability, absorbing heat generated by ‘urban heat island’, preserving biodiversity, and providing breathing space.
There is also a plan for a loop closing system for integrated water management. The plan will also introduce 3R strategy to minimize waste generation. There is also provision for setting up public toilets in suitable areas. Furthermore, the plan for school zoning concept is also in place to cut down travel hassle. The plan will also provide proper healthcare facilities proportionate to the future population.
Natural Environment Protection
New policies will be in place to protect and preserve the natural environment within the Dhaka Metropolitan Region. Existing open spaces and places that are special and have heritage value will be protected as well under new environment protection policies.
The provision for creating energy-efficient and risk-sensitive land-use planning will also be established. Meaning, Dhaka will become more sustainable. Lastly, to reduce the level of environmental pollution, the government will introduce an effective Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) in all major industrial enterprises.
Robust Transportation network
Access to proper transportation facilities issue has always been an issue in the Dhaka metro region. To tackle the problem the authority will improve all the public transport services inside Dhaka while keeping options for walking and cycling. There is also a plan for an integrated mass transport system (BRT/MRT) for the Dhaka Metropolitan Region (the development of Dhaka metro rail is currently underway). To increase mobility, most ring roads and major roads will be connected to regional centers as well.
Affordable Housing
One of the most lucrative initiatives of Dhaka Structure Plan 2016-2035 is to create affordable housing solutions for city dwellers. Once implemented, the project will create new opportunities for increasing housing supply but in a decentralized manner so as to distribute the population more evenly. There are also plans for creating a more environmentally sound neighborhood that will prompt a healthy lifestyle throughout.
Just like any other plan, Dhaka Structured Plan 2016-2035 was not without its challenges. Things are still being vetted and rectified. And ‘is everything goes as planned hopefully we will become a part of a thriving and growing megacity.
