DAP’s proposals are in conflict with water reservoirs and building construction codes

The new Detailed Area Plan (DAP) of Dhaka has proposed 350 people in every square kilometre. The plan is luxurious and complies with global standards but considering the country’s population density, the plan is not realistic. In the name of DAP, RAJUK has been serving the vested quarter to make the city unlivable by filling up the water reservoirs, razing forests and destroying the water-flow zone. The authority which is responsible for maintaining the city’s livability has become a rubber stamp for validating all illegal projects of realtors and influential quarters.
Rajuk has always cowered before groups with vested interests. A big reason behind this is that they are not held accountable for their activities. When they say that more than 80 per cent of all buildings in Dhaka have been built without approval, it’s clear that they have no interest in regulations. When they developed Phase 2 of Purbachal city, they paid Tk 12 crore as compensation for land and Tk 15 crore for trees. They claim to have preserved a forest there, but they would not have done so unless the High Court had intervened after we took the issue to the court. If Rajuk had only developed one-third of the area and left two-thirds to greenery, developing the project vertically, our problems wouldn’t have been so extreme.
The new DAP has made many proposals that sound great, but that has not been backed up by action plans. It does not provide any vision. This DAP is in conflict with regulations regarding water reservoirs and building construction codes.