As Dhaka continues to grow rapidly both in population and infrastructure, the need for sustainable urban planning becomes increasingly urgent. One critical aspect of this planning is the development and preservation of urban green spaces. These spaces are essential not only for the environment but also for the physical and mental well-being of city dwellers. In recent years, the shrinking of green areas in the capital has raised concerns among environmentalists, urban planners, and citizens. This article explores the importance of urban green spaces in Dhaka, the challenges they face, and what can be done to preserve and expand them.

The Importance of Urban Green Spaces

Urban green spaces include parks, gardens, playgrounds, roadside trees, lakes, and any other vegetated land within the city environment. These spaces play a vital role in enhancing the quality of life in urban areas. In Dhaka, where congestion, pollution, and stress are part of daily life, green spaces serve as a much-needed relief.

Environmental Benefits

Green spaceshelp improve air quality by absorbing pollutants and producing oxygen.Trees and plants trap dust and reduce the effects of air pollution—a significant concern in Dhaka, which often ranks among the most pollutedcities globally. Theseareas also help regulate temperature by providing shade and cooling the surroundings, thereby combating the urban heat island effect.

Green spaces assist in managing rainwater and preventing urban flooding. Vegetation allows water to soak into the ground, reducingthe pressure on the city’sdrainage systems. In Dhaka, where waterlogging is a recurring issue during monsoon season, green areas can significantly mitigate the impact.

Health and Well-being

Regular access to green spaceshas been shown to reduce stress,improve mood, and enhance overall mental health. In a fast-paced city like Dhaka, parks and gardens offer residents a space for relaxation, exercise, and social interaction. These benefits are especially important in

densely populated urban areas where private outdoorspace is limited.

Children benefitimmensely from greenspaces, which providesafe places to play and develop physical and social skills. Elderly citizens also enjoy walking and spending time in such areas, which contributes to their physical and emotional well-being.

Biodiversity and Ecological Balance

Urban green spaces support biodiversity by providing habitat for birds, insects, and small animals. Dhaka, though urbanized, still hosts a variety of species that depend on these spaces.

Preserving green areas helps maintain ecological balance and contributes to the conservation of local flora and fauna.

The Current State of Green Spaces in Dhaka

Dhaka has seen significant decline in green areas due to unplanned urbanization, illegal encroachment, and infrastructure development. According to the Department of Environment and other studies, per capita greenspace in Dhaka is far below the standard recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), which suggests a minimum of 9 square meters per

person. In Dhaka, it is estimatedto be less than 2 square metersper person.

The few remaining parks and open spaces, such as RamnaPark, Suhrawardy Udyan,Chandrima Udyan, and the National Botanical Garden, are under constant threat from encroachment, pollution, and lack of maintenance. Many smaller parks and playgrounds have been taken over for commercial purposes or construction.

The lack of a coordinated urban green space policy and weak enforcement of existing regulations have contributed to the decline.Moreover, awareness among the publicregarding the importance of green spaces is still low, which affects community engagement in their

preservation.

Challenges to Preservation and Expansion

Rapid Urbanization

Dhaka’s rapid growth has led to increased demand for housing, commercial buildings, and infrastructure. In many cases, this development has come at the cost of greenspaces. Land is seen primarily in terms of its commercial value, and green areas are often viewed as

underutilized.

Weak Legal Protection and Poor Implementation

While there are laws and policiesmeant to protectgreen areas, enforcement is often weak.

Illegal occupation of parks and playgrounds is common, and in many cases, authorities have failed to take action. Corruption and political influence further complicate effortsto preserve these spaces.

Lack of Public Awareness

A significant portionof the population is unawareof the value of green spaces. As a result,there is limited publicpressure on policymakers to prioritize urban greenery. Communityinvolvement in maintaining and protecting these areas is also minimal.

Funding and Maintenance

Many parkssuffer from poor maintenance due to inadequate funding. Without regularcare, facilities degrade, security becomes an issue, and the space loses its appeal to visitors.

Vandalism and misuse of these areas further discourage public use.

Opportunities and Solutions

Despite the challenges, there are severalopportunities for improvingand expanding urban

green spacesin Dhaka. A multi-faceted approachinvolving government, community, and private sector participation can yield positive results.

Integrated Urban Planning

Green spacesmust be includedin all urban development plans.This includes reservingland for parks in new housing areas and ensuring that redevelopment projects maintain or increase

green coverage. Urban planners shouldprioritize eco-friendly designsthat integrate greenery into infrastructure.

Community Engagement

Residents must be encouraged to take part in maintaining local parks and gardens. Community- based organisations can adopt parks and help with upkeep. Public awareness campaigns highlighting the benefits of green spaces can build a sense of ownership and responsibility.

Policy Reform and StrongerEnforcement

The government should strengthen existingpolicies and ensure strict enforcement against illegal encroachments. Penalties for misuse of green areas must be made more severe.

Additionally, local governments shouldbe empowered and adequately resourcedto manage green spaces effectively.

Public-Private Partnerships

Private sector participation can be promotedthrough incentives for developing and maintaining green areas. For example, companies can be allowedto sponsor park maintenance in exchange for branding rights. Such partnerships have been successful in other countries and can be adapted locally.

Innovative Green Solutions

In areas where land is scarce, innovative approaches like vertical gardens, rooftop gardens, and green walls can help increase greenery. Schools, hospitals, and government buildings can be encouraged to developrooftop gardens. Theseinitiatives not only add green space but also help reduce energy consumption and improve air quality.

The Role of Educational Institutions

Schools and universities can play a crucial role in promoting the importance of green spaces. Environmental education should include practicalactivities such as tree planting,gardening, and nature conservation projects. Institutions with large campuses can open their green spaces to the public on specific days, helping to build community interaction with nature.

Urban green spaces are essential for a livable, healthy, and sustainable Dhaka. As the city continues to expand, protecting and enhancing these areas must become a priority. It is not just the responsibility of the government; communities, businesses, and individuals must also play their part.

Preserving urban greenery is about more than beautifying the city—it is about securing the health, happiness, and resilience of its citizens.With thoughtful planning,strong policies, and active public engagement, Dhaka can still become a greener city for future generations to cherish.