The temperature in the capital Dhaka is rising significantly due to unplanned urbanization, scarcity of water bodies, and extensive use of fossil fuels by vehicles.
As a result, Dhaka is turning into ‘an urban heat island’. The government is undertaking various initiatives to address the situation.
Global warming is increasing due to the adverse impacts of climate change, and Bangladesh has not been spared from its harmful effects.
The presence of carbon dioxide and various other gases, as well as lead, in the air of the capital is reducing people’s immunity and, at the same time, making the city less suitable for human habitation.
Talking to BSS, Dr. Abu Naser Chowdhury, Superintending Engineer of the Public Works Department, said global warming, rapid urbanization, and the uncontrolled and unplanned use of vehicles are primarily responsible for the rise in temperature in the capital.
He said 56 percent of carbon dioxide emissions are generated solely from uncontrolled and unplanned vehicles.
He said that, given the rapid urbanization in the country, a specific plan must be formulated to regulate vehicles in the capital.
The use of electric, battery-powered and hybrid vehicles must be increased as alternatives to petroleum-based fuel. In this regard, the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) can play an important role, he added.
Therefore, he said, the use of conventional vehicles must be reduced across the country, including in the capital, over the medium and long term.
Chowdhury said that rapid urbanization has led to the construction of high-rise buildings. The use of construction materials for these buildings, particularly fired bricks, must be brought down to zero. Instead, the use of solid blocks, hollow blocks and non-fired bricks should be increased, he added.
He said conventional glass used in buildings in the capital should be replaced with new technologies such as DGU glass, sandwich glass and tempered glass.
Chowdhury said these types of glass have lower heat radiation, which will help keep environmental temperatures at tolerable levels.
He said the use of VRF (Variable Refrigerant Flow) systems and chiller air-conditioning should be increased in government and private offices and residential buildings in the capital, instead of conventional split and window air conditioners.
He added that changes have already been introduced in the use of bricks, glass components and air-conditioning systems in the capital. “We hope these measures will have a positive impact on controlling the temperature in the capital,” he added.
Chowdhury said emphasis is being placed on green plantation, particularly in areas surrounding the city, including road medians and footpaths, as well as landscaping and arboriculture alongside new construction projects.
He said rooftop gardens are being encouraged in newly constructed high-rise government and private buildings, which will help reduce temperatures in the capital.
The number of water bodies in Dhaka must be increased. In this regard, measures are being taken to create and maintain small ponds, lakes and other water bodies, he said adding that this will reduce the heat in the capital and make it more suitable for habitation.
He said due to the adverse effects of global warming, heavy rainfall, periods without rain, abnormal fluctuations in temperature and changes in the duration of seasons are being observed in the capital. These conditions are creating unusual waterlogging, frequently disrupting public life, he added.
He further said the government is closely monitoring the expansion of greenery and the maintenance of trees at government offices, courts and residential facilities. However, there is a lack of attention to green development in privately constructed facilities, particularly shopping malls and residential projects, he said.
In this regard, private initiatives are also necessary alongside government efforts, he added.
Superintending Engineer (Coordination) of the PWD Sumon Chakma said the government has set a target of planting 250 million trees over the next five years to combat the adverse impacts of climate change.
Of this, the Public Works Metropolitan Zone has set a target of planting 562,000 trees by August this year, he said.
Of the total, the Public Works Arboriculture Division has been assigned a target of planting 552,000 trees, while other Public Works divisions under the Metropolitan Zone have been assigned a target of planting 10,000 trees, he said.
He said that, as of August 16 this year, 22,392 trees had been planted by the Arboriculture Division of the Public Works Department and 150 trees in Zone 3 of the SB Nagar Public Works Division. The trees include fruit-bearing, timber and medicinal species.
He further said that the Dhaka Zone of the Public Works Department had set a target of planting 10,000 trees by August this year. So far, 5,339 trees have been planted.
Sumon Chakma said the government is emphasizing increased use of renewable energy instead of conventional electricity to keep temperatures in the capital under control. To this end, work is underway to increase the use of solar power as an alternative to conventional electricity, he said.
He said that, through an initiative of the Dhaka Public Works Electrical/Mechanical (E/M) Division, solar panels have been installed to generate 4,622.48 kilowatts of electricity.
Additional Chief Engineer (E/M) of the PWD Ashraful Haque said the air conditioners and refrigerators used in government and private offices, courts and residences across the country must be free of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).
He said the air conditioners and refrigerators currently used in Bangladesh are CFC-free, meaning the possibility of damage to the ozone layer is now very low.
He said no country can function without electricity. Oil, gas and crude oil are used to generate conventional electricity, and these fuels produce carbon emissions.
To reduce such emissions, electricity is being generated from renewable sources such as solar, wind and hydropower.
He added that emphasis is being placed on electricity generation through solar panels to reduce carbon emissions.
Chief Engineer of the PWD Khalekuzzaman Chowdhury said the department is working tirelessly to implement the short-, medium- and long-term plans adopted by the current government to make Dhaka more livable.
He said all officials and employees of the department are committed to performing their duties with dedication to build a new Dhaka in line with these plans.
He further said they are working to transform Dhaka into a green, nature- and environment-friendly city like those in developed countries, particularly Singapore City in Asia, Seoul in South Korea and Tokyo in Japan.
