Dhaka is what can be described as the nerve centre of the country’s economic progress, making it one of the busiest and most crowded mega-cities in the world. It has also, quite unfortunately, been deemed as the third least liveable city, as per the Global Liveability Index 2019.
With a major portion of the country's operations taking place in and around the capital, the city population has multiplied over the years. The overpopulation, teamed up with the lack of green open spaces, has had tremendous effects on the health and living conditions of the residents.
Among the many challenges this has led to are pollution, overcrowding, and deadly heat waves -- the effects of which can be reduced, if not reversed completely, by introducing more green spaces in the city.
The design of urban areas, with a large number of high rise buildings and concrete structures, contribute significantly to the increase in temperatures. Creating urban forests, then, can counter the effects by cleaning up the air we breathe, and lowering temperatures. Green spaces also have substantial cultural and social benefits, and help improve the mental and physical health of residents for a more pleasant living state.
It is imperative that we take on a greener approach to improve the living conditions, and create a more sustainable and liveable environment for the people.
The millions of people living in the city have been contributing to the rapid development of our country, all under unfavourable circumstances. It's time we also pay heed to their health and needs, and create a more welcoming environment for them to thrive in.
