Who accounts for unimplemented DAP?
WITH the old detailed area plan (DAP) remaining unimplemented in the face of opposition from certain vested quarters, the authorities are learnt to be in the process of getting approval, from the Cabinet, a rehashed DAP. What's new in the revised DAP is that realtors and their respective housing projects have been given a priority. Our concern is whether this DAP will take into account the protection of flood plains, rivers, farmlands, et al, so crucial for the sustainability of the city. From what has been reported in this newspaper, we understand that the fresh DAP will cover an area of 1,500km2 and will keep intact several controversial projects. It is interesting to note that this DAP had suggested that authorities reclaim some 2,500 acres of flood flow zones and agricultural lands that had been taken hold of illegally.
Apparently those suggestions are not going to be incorporated. Hence we are forced to ask once again precisely whose interests will be served by the supposedly revamped DAP? The sustained destruction of flood plains and filling up of natural wetlands will usher in, according to experts, natural disaster for the capital city. Reality is being cited by RAJUK to justify these measures, yet doing away with natural protection systems will bring in water logging and health issues to name but a few problems for the more than 15million residents of Dhaka city. Those too are “realities” on the ground. Doing away with conservable wetlands is not an option if Dhaka is to survive as a city.
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