Throughout history, Dhaka has had many ups and downs. From a small settlement on the banks of the Buriganga River to the megacity we know today; all of it was achieved through the development and numerous expansions of Dhaka city. However, unplanned and organic growth resulted in numerous problems for citizens and the city. According to the World Bank Report on Urban Dhaka, the main challenges of the city are ‘Flooding,’ ‘Congestion or traffic jam in Dhaka’ and ‘Messiness or lack of planning’. They are the primary obstacles against a sustainable growth of Dhaka. Today, we’ll take a look at these main problems of Dhaka city and what the government’s plan for them.
Flooding
The people of Bangladesh are very familiar with flooding and the impact it has. Dhaka is no stranger to it either. It is one of the biggest problems of Dhaka city, particularly the eastern region. Some parts of East Dhaka regularly see flooding and suffer greatly from it. While the core of the city is safe from such flooding, it becomes waterlogged with heavy rainfall except for few flood resistant areas. The impervious clay of the core city prevents water from sinking, and the resulting accumulation incapacitates daily life.
According to experts, reforming the drainage system is the key to tackling one of the biggest problems of Dhaka city. The governing authority is well aware of the need for such reformation, and several projects are already underway to overhaul the entire water drainage system. It includes clearing out the drainage pumps, pipes & sewerage lines and placing new as well as replacing the existing drainage system with more effective materials. Furthermore, there is also an initiative to identify and preserve all kinds of canals and water bodies.
The Dhaka Integrated Flood Protection Project (DIFPP) is at the center of coming up with remedial measures and fixing some of the particular problems of Dhaka city associated with flooding. They and several other organizations such as RAJUK and DWASA’s have focused on these issues of Dhaka. Reclamation of Hatirjheel Lake has been a major milestone in this regard. Today, thousands of people enjoy the recreational facilities in Hatirjheel.
As for East Dhaka, the proposed eastern embankment will prevent water overflow from nearby rivers. Governing authorities are also closely monitoring private development to ensure it doesn’t endanger flood control capabilities.
Congestion
Traffic congestion is one of the more salient problems of Dhaka city. Rapid growth coupled with unplanned infrastructure development has created bottlenecks around the city. As a result, there is rampant traffic jam in Dhaka. Furthermore, much of the existing roads are of low-quality. To reduce these issues of Dhaka and to achieve sustainable growth, a solution to the congestion problem is necessary.
The government initiated numerous projects in the last two decades to resolve this long-standing issue. Hatirjheel is a shining example of well-planned development to avoid traffic jam in Dhaka. Mohakhali Flyover, which was the first of its kind in Bangladesh, was constructed to reduce the frequency of gridlocks in the area. Following this successful development project, several other flyovers were constructed to give the traveler a reprieve from all the traffic jam in Dhaka city. These flyovers have cutback travel time tremendously to some of the notorious traffic-heavy areas of the city.
Currently, the first phase of the Mass Rapid Transport (MRT) elevated expressway is underway. It will introduce a citywide public metro rail service. MRT-6, which is expected to finish within 2019, will run north to south; connecting Uttara North to Motijheel. Construction of another metro rail service, MRT-1, will soon start; which will run through Airport, Bashundhara, Rampura and Kamlapur. There is also a plan to connect the western and eastern regions through the metro rail service.
Additionally, one of the biggest problems of Dhaka city due to congestion is entering or exiting the city. The proposed ring roads around the city will greatly reduce traffic jam in Dhaka city when exiting or entering. The three ring roads will encircle every major gateway of the city and help travelers bypass unnecessary traffic-ridden junctions altogether.
Messiness
Many of the problems of Dhaka city stem from the irregularity of access to good services and unplanned growth. Many of the developments either preceded planning or gave little to no attention to existing plans. A disconnection between public & private organizations and disregard for regulations lies at the heart of this problem. The disorganized state of facilities, educational institutions, and other services force citizens to endure many hardships. This messiness has also impacted the environment adversely. And as a result, air, soil and water pollution have risen to a dangerous level.
Now more than ever, governing authorities are focusing on increasing the living conditions and untangling existing mess. Effective land use has become a priority for making a liveable urban Dhaka. In the Dhaka Structure Plan 2016-2035, RAJUK beautifully segments the entire city into different zones. It includes the existing Central Urban Area, Outer Urban Area, Growth Management Area as well as designated Agricultural and Conservation Areas to safeguard the environment.
Utilizing East Dhaka and decentralization presents the best opportunity to move forward. The pressure on the core city can be lessened as more and more development takes place in the east. The number of people migrating to the city who wants to buy an apartment in Dhaka is increasing; the government, however, wants to encourage people to invest in East Dhaka instead.
‘Flooding’, ‘Congestion’ and ‘Messiness’; these are not the only problems of Dhaka city. However, resolving these issues of Dhaka can mitigate many excessive issues and achieve a prosperous future. Which other problems do you think need to be tackled to ensure sustainable growth for Dhaka? Share with us your thoughts in the comments section below.
