A large swathe of land beneath flyovers remains unused across Dhaka city and its vicinity, amounting to nearly 207 acres.
Some valuable lands are being used as workshops, warehouses, and even horse stables. Nevertheless, behind the use of these lands, there are allegations of corruption.
Experts suggest that with proper planning, these lands could be utilised for various beneficial purposes such as parks, medical centres, and recreational facilities.
Currently, not only flyovers but also one project after another is covering the open sky above our heads. Elevated expressways, metro rails, and various other projects are in progress.
Due to the absence of any specific plans, most of the space under the flyovers is now being utilised in a "make-do" style.
Some valuable lands are being used as workshops, warehouses, and even horse stables. Nevertheless, behind the use of these lands, there are allegations of corruption.
If there had been some planning and foresight, these neglected lands could have been used for the welfare of the city dwellers. It could have facilitated the creation of parks, playgrounds for children, medical centres, and various other public amenities.
Recently, the 'Center for Inclusive Architecture and Urbanism,' led by its Executive Director, Prof Adnan Zillur Morshed, has taken the initiative to convert the spaces under the flyovers into multifunctional areas.
Speaking to reporters, the organisation's Associate Architect, Syed Tawsif Munawar, said, “No government or responsible institution has thought about utilising these spaces yet. Transforming these spaces under the flyovers into something useful for the residents of Dhaka and its adjacent areas is possible through the city corporation and other responsible organisations.”
“Although it won't require a large budget, only the willingness of the city corporation and the responsible institutions,” he added.
Chief Executive Officer of the Dhaka North City Corporation Mir Khairul Alam said, “We won't let them lie idle. We will utilise whatever is useful in some way or another.”
In densely populated Dhaka, the misuse of land under the flyovers is causing significant social, economic, environmental, and public health damages, estimated at least at Tk 21 thousand crores per year.
THE BUSINESS WORLD
Comments
Post a Comment