Dhaka: Environmental scientists are encouraging rooftop gardening and vertical gardening on building walls to reduce the urban heat island effect in the capital. They said everyone should come forward to promote rooftop gardens in urban areas to reduce the risks of intense heat waves, water-logging, and other environmental hazards caused by climate change.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, experts emphasized the importance of addressing water-logging by urging the Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (RAJUK) to prioritize strengthening its institutional and technical capacity. This includes preventing the filling up or encroachment of floodplains, flood-flow zones, and protected water bodies. RAJUK officials highlighted that the successful implementation of the Climate Resilient Green Action Plan (CRGAP) in areas like Hazaribagh and Lalbagh could lead to its expansion to other climate-vulnerable areas.
RAJUK Chief Town Planner Md. Ashraful Islam told BSS that small-scale urban forestry and tree planting along with canals are needed to reduce Dhaka's temperature. He emphasized the promotion of rooftop gardening and vertical gardening in densely populated areas to prevent the city from becoming uninhabitable. Meanwhile, RAJUK Town Planner Mahfuza Akter mentioned the development of Purbachal New Town as the country's first planned green and smart city, highlighting efforts such as preserving a large lake and extensive tree plantation.
RAJUK's mission extends beyond controlling building numbers to guiding Dhaka's future urbanization along a planned, safe, and sustainable path. Dhaka serves as the employment hub for millions, and addressing climate change risks like intense heat waves and sudden water-logging is essential. RAJUK's core responsibility is to ensure planned land use and develop urban infrastructure to tackle these climate risks.
RAJUK Chairman Md. Reazul Islam stated that integrated climate and disaster-resilient development is a priority for creating a climate-friendly city. He noted that the legal framework for new laws and amendments to building construction regulations reflects this focus. A major challenge in Dhaka's development is coordination, and efforts are underway with stakeholders like WASA and DESCO to clean up Gulshan-Banani Lake and enforce building regulations.
The Detailed Area Plan (DAP) 2022-2035 aims to develop Dhaka as a "blue-green network," combining water bodies and greenery to balance modernity and nature. Flood-flow zones identified through detailed hydrological analysis are protected from permanent structures, maintaining the city's natural drainage system. Legal protections for ponds, canals, and floodplains enhance water retention and help eliminate sudden water-logging.
In Old Dhaka, the Climate Resilient Green Plan (CRGP) focuses on restoring environmental balance after the relocation of tanneries from Hazaribagh. This involves creating green belts and open spaces to improve residents' quality of life and increase climate-adaptation capacity. The Urban Resilience Project (URP) strengthened RAJUK's capacity, requiring new high-rise buildings to include rainwater-harvesting systems and open spaces.
Efforts to preserve water bodies, flood-flow areas, and open spaces complement housing and infrastructure development, ensuring economic growth without compromising environmental goals. Multiple organizations, including RAJUK, city corporations, Dhaka WASA, the Water Development Board, and the Department of Environment, are working within their jurisdictions to support Dhaka's development. The loss of natural water bodies and the expansion of air-conditioned high-rise buildings contribute to the city's heat, necessitating measures like energy-efficient technologies and green building materials.