Decentralisation
Photo: Amdadul Huq / Driknews
On October 11, 2010 a letter was published in The Daily Star on decentralisation in which the writer highlighted some of the issues that have contributed to the current unliveable conditions in Dhaka. Among the remedial measures, it was suggested that further construction of buildings, housing areas, etc., should be banned immediately, and that incentives should be provided to schools, colleges, establishments and hospitals for shifting across the country. We support the proposals and would like to supplement the author's position by providing specific cases in the Dhanmondi area. If one starts from the intersection of Road No. 27 (old) and Mirpur Road, one would come across a large shopping mall on the left, which is already a point of serious traffic congestion. However, we shudder to think of the situation when the two under construction high-rise buildings adjacent to the mall are completed shortly; and there are plans for construction of many more such buildings along that road. As one turns left and enters Satmasjid Road, the traffic becomes worse because of the large number of malls, universities, restaurants and hospitals. Dhanmondi residential area is supposed to be used for only residential purpose, but there are schools, hospitals, shops and offices, particularly at critical intersections, giving rise to security issues as well. We can complain endlessly about traffic congestions and other problems, but those will not disappear unless the government strictly implements zoning laws. Doing so will also facilitate decentralization of the city as the writer suggests.
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