Photo: Collected
The capital's green spaces have dwindled in the name of modernisation, with parks and playgrounds facing depletion amidst the concrete sprawl. The few remaining areas are being repurposed for construction and commercial ventures. Moreover, there's evident regional bias in the distribution of these recreational areas.
As heatwaves surge, people yearn for the cooling shelter of verdant trees, yet finding a nearby green park or garden offering respite is increasingly challenging. Even in areas where parks or fields exist, they're often scarce due to dense populations in underdeveloped zones. Consequently, the physical and mental development of the capital's children and adolescents is hindered, and the biodiversity of the city is at risk.
While there are plans to bolster greenery in the capital, progress is sluggish, according to experts. They highlight that Dhaka, given its size, should ideally boast 610 such spaces, yet only 235 are currently accessible. These areas are managed by various entities, including Dhaka's two City Corporations and the Public Works department. Alarmingly, 41 out of the total 129 wards in the city lack any playgrounds or parks.
According to the World Health Organisation, Dhaka city has lost 126 parks and fields over the past 22 years.
According to a survey conducted by the Bangladesh Institute of Planners (BIP), out of the 235 playgrounds in Dhaka, a staggering 141 are institutional, meaning they are not accessible to the public. Only 42 playgrounds are open for public use, and unfortunately, 16 of them are currently occupied. Additionally, there are 17 government grounds, 24 grounds within residential colonies, and 12 Eidgahs in the city.
According to sources from both the Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) and Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC), there are a mere 27 parks or grounds available across the 75 wards of DSCC, with six of them leased out for commercial activities. Similarly, DNCC, covering 50 wards, has only 23 parks. Unfortunately, most of these parks and playgrounds are not accessible to the public. Consequently, citizens are being deprived of their fundamental rights to clean air, exercise, and leisurely walks.
The World Health Organisation recommends that every city resident should have access to about 9 square meters of open space, ideally in the form of parks and playgrounds. However, in Dhaka city, this amount falls far short, with less than one square meter of open space available per citizen.
Messenger/Fameema
