Unplanned Urbanisation Threatens Bangladesh’s Rural Environment, Warn Urban Planners
Uncontrolled urbanisation in Bangladesh is jeopardizing the rural environment, cautioned urban planners during a recent press conference. The event, titled Spatial Planning and Sustainable Development in Bangladesh: Future Challenges and Actions, was organized by the Bangladesh Institute of Planners (BIP). Experts expressed concerns about the lack of adequate planning in transforming villages into towns, leading to adverse consequences for the rural environment.
The initiation of projects without proper planning often results in the creation of unnecessary infrastructure that fails to consider its impact on the environment. The conference extensively analyzed the actions and plans of the government based on their previous two electoral manifestos, spanning over seven sectors. One notable project under scrutiny was the My Village, My Town (Amar Gram, Amar Shohor) initiative led by the Awami League-led government. While the initiative intends to provide modern civic amenities to every village, Adil Muhammad Khan, the President of BIP, outlined the associated risks due to the absence of effective involvement from planners. Unplanned construction in rural areas has the potential to disrupt the natural environment and cause haphazard development.
The complication of master plans for municipalities, caused by delays in publishing official notices and a shortage of trained workforce, has further aggravated the issue. Consequently, this has led to the displacement of agricultural lands and forests, pollution of air, water, and soil, as well as increased vulnerability of cities to natural disasters.
Mehdi Hasan, the General Secretary of BIP, emphasized the necessity of avoiding the replication of urban problems from Dhaka city throughout the country while executing urbanization projects. Informal settlements, waterlogging, pollution, traffic congestion, and scarcity of essential services are pressing concerns that demand immediate attention through comprehensive and sustainable urban planning.
The experts who participated in the conference emphasized the significance of spatial planning and sustainable development in Bangladesh. They urged the government to actively involve professional planners in decision-making processes to ensure the implementation of controlled and well-planned development projects, thereby safeguarding the rural environment. The fate of Bangladesh’s rural environment hinges on the actions taken today.
The threat of unplanned urbanization poses a critical issue for the future of Bangladesh’s rural environment. It is imperative that authorities prioritize effective spatial planning, taking into account the long-term sustainability of development projects. By incorporating the expertise of professional planners and addressing pressing concerns such as pollution and inadequate infrastructure, Bangladesh can aim for a more holistic approach to urbanization.
Striking a balance between urban development and environmental preservation is crucial to ensure a thriving future for both rural and urban areas in Bangladesh. By adopting sustainable practices and involving all stakeholders, the country can navigate the challenges of urbanization while preserving its natural resources and protecting the rural environment for generations to come.
