Govt takes big urbanisation schemes for major cities

Different development authorities in big cities including the capital, Dhaka, are working on a consolidated plan to deal with rapid urbanisation.

According to a document, the city development authorities are finalising plans for better housing, management of parks and water bodies, and elimination of traffic congestion and waterlogging.

The preparation of the Detailed Area Plan (DAP) by Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripokkho (Rajuk) for the periods from 2016 to 2035 is at the final stage, it says.

An earthquake vulnerability assessment for the buildings in in Dhaka city is also going on under the Urban Resilience Project, it says.

A study project titled “Preparation of Chattogram Metropolitan Master Plan (2020-2041)” is being implemented by Chattogram Development Authority.

Rajshahi Development Authority has prepared a master plan to be implemented in four stages over 20 years.

Besides, the drafting of the ‘Urban and Regional Planning Act’ is underway, aimed at planned urbanisation across the country.

In Dhaka, excavation and development of a 100-foot-wide canal on both sides of Kuril-Purbachal Link Road and a 12.3-km, 14-lane road are being constructed, which includes 5 intersections, 13 arch bridges and 4 underpasses and widening of 6 bridges.

Besides, construction of a 6.18-km road with 4 bridges, spanning from Notun Bazar area of Dhaka to the Balu River along Madani Avenue is going on under Rajuk.

The document says cleaning and re-excavation of 35 canals are underway in Chattogram to help relieve the city from waterlogging.

Construction of a 16.50-km flyover from Lalkhanbazar to Shah Amanat Airport in Chattogram is also underway.

In addition, the construction of 15.20-km ring road project to reduce traffic congestion in Chattogram city is nearing completion.

The use of modern and eco-friendly blocks, as an alternative to bricks, is being encouraged by the government to ensure sustainable development, according to the official papers.

It says that work is underway to build a pilot plant for making eco-friendly ‘Autoclave Aerated Concrete Panel’.

As a result, it is expected that the implementation of the government’s policy of reducing the use of bricks to zero by 2025 will be accelerated.

In addition, steps have been taken for ensuring the use of rapid building construction technology in line with the construction engineering followed in the developed world, preferring high-rise buildings to ensure optimal use of land.

The plan also envisages making the construction industry modern and sustainable through the maximum use of local materials, technologies and skilled manpower.

It is bringing old government buildings under earthquake resistance system (seismic retrofitting) according to the needs and importance.

The plan will also make all government buildings environment-friendly, energy-efficient and rich with green technologies by minimising the use of fossil fuels and increasing the use of renewable energy, the document says.