Dhaka City: A Place of Opportunities and Challenges
Dhaka city, the capital of Bangladesh, is a place of opportunities and challenges. The city is a hub of economic activities and a melting pot of cultures. With a population of over 21 million, Dhaka is one of the most densely populated cities in the world. Despite its vibrant and dynamic nature, living in Dhaka city is not without its drawbacks. The city is grappling with various issues that range from traffic congestion, air pollution, water scarcity, noise pollution, limited green spaces, high cost of living, inadequate public transport, overcrowding, lack of safety, poor waste management, and limited job opportunities. These issues are affecting the quality of life of the residents and posing challenges to the city’s development.
Traffic Congestion: A Daily Struggle for City Dwellers
Traffic congestion is one of the most pressing issues in Dhaka city. The city’s roads are overcrowded with vehicles, and the traffic situation is aggravated by the lack of proper infrastructure and traffic management. As a result, commuting in the city is a daily struggle for city dwellers. The average commuting time in Dhaka city is around 2 to 3 hours, which is one of the highest in the world. The long hours spent in traffic not only increase the stress levels of city dwellers but also have an adverse impact on their health. The air pollution resulting from the traffic congestion is another major concern for the residents. The government has taken some initiatives to address the issue, such as introducing mass transport systems like the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), but more needs to be done to alleviate the problem.
Air Pollution: A Silent Eliminator in Dhaka City
Air pollution is a silent eliminator in Dhaka city. The city’s air quality is one of the worst in the world, with high levels of particulate matter and toxic gases like carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur dioxide. The sources of air pollution in the city are numerous, including vehicular emissions, industrial activities, construction sites, and brick kilns. The prolonged exposure to polluted air is linked to various health problems, such as respiratory illnesses, heart diseases, and cancer. It is estimated that air pollution is responsible for over 15,000 premature deaths in Dhaka city each year. The government has taken some measures to curb air pollution, such as banning the import of old, polluting vehicles and shutting down illegal brick kilns, but more needs to be done to improve air quality in the city.
Water Scarcity: A Growing Concern for the City
Water scarcity is a growing concern for Dhaka city. The city is located on the banks of the Buriganga River, which is the main source of water for the city. However, the river is highly polluted, and its water is not suitable for human consumption. As a result, the city is heavily dependent on groundwater, which is rapidly depleting. The indiscriminate use of groundwater by industries and households is exacerbating the problem. Moreover, the city’s water supply system is inadequate and poorly maintained, leading to frequent water shortages and supply disruptions. The lack of access to safe drinking water is a major health hazard for the residents, particularly the poor. The government needs to take a holistic approach to tackle the water scarcity issue in the city, including promoting water conservation, regulating groundwater use, and investing in infrastructure development.
Noise Pollution: A Major Health Hazard in Dhaka City
Noise pollution is a major health hazard in Dhaka city. The city is characterized by a high level of noise from various sources, such as vehicular traffic, construction activities, and industrial sites. The prolonged exposure to noise pollution is linked to various health problems, including hearing loss, cardiovascular diseases, and mental health disorders. The problem is particularly acute for the residents living near major roads and industrial areas. The government needs to take measures to reduce noise pollution in the city, such as enforcing noise regulations, promoting the use of public transport, and providing sound insulation for buildings.
Limited Green Spaces: Affecting Urban Livability
Limited green spaces are affecting urban livability in Dhaka city. The city has a very low ratio of green spaces to the population, with only 1.79% of the city’s land area designated as green spaces. The lack of green spaces is not only affecting the aesthetics of the city but also contributing to various environmental problems, such as air pollution and heat island effect. Moreover, the limited availability of green spaces is affecting the physical and mental well-being of the residents, particularly the children and the elderly. The government needs to take measures to increase the number of green spaces in the city, such as developing parks and gardens, promoting rooftop gardens, and preserving the existing green areas.
High Cost of Living: A Challenge for the Middle Class
The high cost of living is a challenge for the middle class in Dhaka city. The city’s rapid economic growth has led to rising prices of essential goods and services, such as food, housing, and healthcare. The high cost of living is particularly challenging for the middle class, who are struggling to cope with the increasing expenses on a stagnant income. The government needs to take measures to address the issue, such as regulating prices of essential goods and services, providing subsidies and incentives for the middle class, and promoting entrepreneurship and job creation.
Inadequate Public Transport: Affecting Mobility and Access
Inadequate public transport is affecting mobility and access in Dhaka city. The city’s public transport system is characterized by a lack of integration, reliability, and safety. The majority of the residents rely on private transport, which is expensive and contributes to traffic congestion and air pollution. The inadequate public transport system is also affecting the mobility and access of the poor and vulnerable groups, who are unable to afford private transport. The government needs to take measures to improve the public transport system, such as introducing more efficient and affordable mass transport systems, promoting non-motorized transport, and enhancing the safety and reliability of the existing transport system.
Overcrowding: A Challenge for Urban Planning in Dhaka
Overcrowding is a challenge for urban planning in Dhaka city. The city’s rapid population growth has led to an uncontrolled expansion of the city’s urban areas, with little regard for urban planning and environmental sustainability. The overcrowding is exacerbating various urban problems, such as traffic congestion, air pollution, water scarcity, and waste management. The government needs to take measures to address the issue, such as promoting sustainable urban development, regulating land use and building codes, and investing in infrastructure development.
Lack of Safety: A Major Issue for Women and Minorities
The lack of safety is a major issue for women and minorities in Dhaka city. The city has a high incidence of crimes, such as theft, robbery, and harassment, particularly against women and minorities. The lack of safety is affecting the physical and mental well-being of the residents, particularly the vulnerable groups. The government needs to take measures to improve the safety and security of the residents, such as increasing the presence of law enforcement agencies, promoting community policing, and raising awareness on safety issues.
Poor Waste Management: Affecting the Environment and Health
Poor waste management is affecting the environment and health in Dhaka city. The city generates around 5,000 tons of waste every day, which is mostly dumped in landfills or open spaces, leading to environmental degradation and health hazards. The poor waste management is exacerbating various urban problems, such as air pollution, water pollution, and urban flooding. The government needs to take measures to improve waste management in the city, such as promoting waste reduction and recycling, enforcing waste segregation and disposal regulations, and investing in waste processing and treatment facilities.
Limited Job Opportunities: Affecting Economic Growth and Development
Limited job opportunities are affecting economic growth and development in Dhaka city. The city’s rapid economic growth has not translated into sufficient job creation, particularly for the youth and the poor. The limited job opportunities are exacerbating the problem of poverty and inequality, and hindering the city’s potential for economic growth and development. The government needs to take measures to promote job creation in the city, such as promoting entrepreneurship and innovation, investing in education and skill development, and attracting foreign investment and industries.
