Deforestation in Dhaka City

1
1. INTRODUCTION
Dhaka city, ranked as the 20
th
mega city, has population over 14 million is widely
considered as sprawling city as its population is increasing of 4.1% per annum.
1
But
its area is not increasing like its population. Even though Dhaka encompasses Dhaka
Metropolitan Area, still city is the most densely populated area. This crowded
population is occupying the open space and thus reducing the green areas.
Consequently deforestation has become one of the pivotal issues for its
environmental sustenance. For making Dhaka as better living place specially in
terms of living environment, afforestation more precisely urban forestry is needed.
Considering the deforestation issue the following discussion is mainly cause, effect
and protective measures focusing on Dhaka city, the area which is under the control
of Dhaka City Corporation.
2. RESEARCH QUESTION
i. What is the condition of deforestation in DCC area?
a. How much green areas Dhaka city had and has?
b. What happened to the green areas either because of deforestation and
afforestation?
c. What are the causes of deforestation in Dhaka city?
d. How deforestation in Dhaka city is affecting people and society?
ii. What possible measures can be taken against deforestation in Dhaka city?
3. RESEARCH OBJECTIVE
i. To find the green areas in DCC area and its changing nature
ii. To find out the causes of deforestation in DCC area.
iii. To find out the effects of deforestation in Dhaka.
iv. To find out the possible solution against deforestation in Dhaka city.
4. RESEARCH METHODS
The paper is basically descriptive in nature as it includes fact finding enquiries of
different kinds. Also it based on description of what is happened and what is
happening. In describing the facts, I use both quantitative and qualitative data.
However, quantitative nature is resting on descriptive statistics rather than inferential
one and thereby no hypothesis has been formulated. Henceforth the research can be
considered as exploratory research as it is going to explore the fact.
Data has been collected from mainly from secondary sources e.g. book, websites,
periodicals, blogs, newspapers etc. However, in some instances, observational input has
been given without any interview or survey (primary sources).

1
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Megacity

Once data is collected, it will
that will be presented considering the research questions. Following diagram
the process of facts incorporation
Selection of area like topic is determined by the BUP authority. So
area is based on BUP authoritys
5. DEFINING DEFORESTATION,
5.1. DEFORESTATION
Encyclopedia Britannica
the cause of which is normally implied to be human activity. As such, deforestation
represents one of the largest issues in global land use in the early 21st century.
Estimates of deforestation traditionally are based on the area of
human use, including removal of the trees for wood products and for croplands and
grazing lands. In the practice of clear
land, which completely destroys the forest.
the conventional notion of deforestation is not fully applicable. Rather it
applicable to cut or reduction of green areas in urban territory. As DCC is completely
urban territory with few patc
loss or cut of green areas because of

Status of
deforestation in
Dhaka City
2
will be assorted on the basis of research objective
that will be presented considering the research questions. Following diagram
the process of facts incorporation.
Selection of area like topic is determined by the BUP authority. So
based on BUP authoritys discretion.
DEFINING DEFORESTATION, AND URBAN FORESTRY
DEFORESTATION
Britannica writes deforestation, the clearing or thinning of
Estimates of deforestation traditionally are based on the area of
grazing lands. In the practice of clear-cutting, all the trees are removed from the
y destroys the forest. However, in context with the papers,
the conventional notion of deforestation is not fully applicable. Rather it
few patches of forest or green areas, deforestation here means
loss or cut of green areas because of human activities.
Causes of
deforestation
Preventive
measures
Presertive
measures
Effects of
deforestation
Effects reduction
measures
on the basis of research objectives. Thereafter,
that will be presented considering the research questions. Following diagram shows

Selection of area like topic is determined by the BUP authority. So reason for selecting
the clearing or thinning of forests,
Estimates of deforestation traditionally are based on the area of forest cleared for
cutting, all the trees are removed from the
However, in context with the papers,
the conventional notion of deforestation is not fully applicable. Rather it is
hes of forest or green areas, deforestation here means
Preventive
measures
Presertive
measures
Effects reduction
measures
3

5.2. URBAN FORESTRY
According to Grey and Deneke urban forestry means An integrated, city wide
approach to the planting, care and management of trees in the city to secure
multiple environmental and social benefits for urban dwellers.
2

According to RW Miller Urban forestry is defined as the planned, integrated and
systematic approach to the management of trees in urban and peri-urban areas for
their contribution to the physiological, sociological, and economic well-being of
urban society.
3
Urban forestry deals with woodlands, groups of trees, and individual
trees, where people live - it is multifaceted, for urban areas include a great variety of
habitats (streets, parks, derelict corners, etc) where trees bestow a great variety of
benefits and problems.
A principal goal of urban forestry is to sustain forest structure, health, and benefits
throughout the urban ecosystem over the long term.

6. ABOUT DHAKA
6.1. LOCATION AND AREA
Dhaka city is situated between 2342' and 2354' north latitudes and 9020' and
9028' east longitudes (See map-1). Dhaka mega city, consists of seven principal
thanas Dhanmondi, Kotwali, Motijheel, Paltan, Ramna, Mohammadpur, Sutrapur,
Tejgaon and 14 auxiliary thanas Gulshan, Lalbagh, Mirpur, Pallabi, Sabujbagh,
Dhaka Cantonment, Demra, Hazaribagh, Shyampur, Badda, Kafrul, Kamrangir char,
Khilgaon and Uttara. It comprises Dhaka City Corporation (DCC) and five adjacent
municipal areas i.e. Savar, Narayanganj, Gazipur, Kadamrasul and Tongi. The area of
Dhaka mega city is 1,353 km
2
of which DCC occupies 276 km
2
. Rajdhani Unnayan
Kartripakkha (RAJUK) has a Strategic Planning Zone-wise definition of Dhaka city
which currently consists of total 26 zones of which 19 may cover Dhaka Statistical
Metropolitan Area.

6.2. DEMOGRAPHIC CONDITION
According to 2011 census, population of Dhaka metropolitan area (DCCs areas and
other parts) total population of Dhaka is 14,453,124.
4

The population is growing by
an estimated 4.2% per annum, one of the highest rates amongst Asian cities. The
continuing growth reflects ongoing migration from rural areas to the Dhaka urban

2
Grey GW, Deneke FJ (1986) Urban forestry. New York: John Wiley and Sons. 299 p.
3
Miller RW (1997) Urban forestry. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall, Inc. 199 p.
4
http://www.citypopulation.de/php/bangladesh-dhaka.php
4

region, which accounted for 60% of the city's growth. The city's population is being
also growing with the expansion of city boundaries. The population density of DCC is
19,286per km
2
.
5

Map-1 (location of Dhaka)
Source: www. dhakadailyphoto.blogspot.com/2007/06/maps-dhaka.

5
BBS. 2001. Bangladesh Population Census 2001, Zila: Dhaka. Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics. Government of
Bangladesh.
5

6.3. FORESTRY AND GREENERY OF DHAKA
6.3.1. Greeneries in Dhaka city
Due to high density of population and high share of spaces, green resources include
both public and private green spaces. Most of the green areas are managed by the
local authority except private gardens, nursery, agricultural land and fruit and other
trees within the home premises. At present no private owned forest is present in
and around Dhaka city.
6

The following map (map -2) excludes privately owned green areas, road side,
commercial or residential areas trees or trees stands and wetlands vegetation cover
as there is no exact area wise statistics for the percentage of trees in the city and also
no area wise planning for tree plantation. It can be seen that the northern side of the
city has very few green areas. Most of the parks are exist in the middle and south
western parts of the city. The urbanization of Dhaka started from these area and
now is recognized old part of Dhaka.
When the British ruled in Dhaka, they established many parks and gardens in
Ramna, Dhanmondi and Kotwali areas. These parks are yet reflecting the green glory
of Dhaka. Most popular parks like Ramna Park, Suhrawardy Udyan Park, Dhaka
University campus, Osmani Park, and Gulistan Park are the most important green
spaces in this area. Besides, some tourist spots such as National Parliament Building,
Chandrima Park, BahadurSah Park, Botanical garden and Zoo and some educational
institutes, Prime Ministers Office, Dhaka Cantonment etc. which can be considered
as important urban green areas located at different part of the city. Moreover, the
low lying areas of Dhaka city in the east and western side have some green spaces
which are mainly comprise water tolerant trees.

6
Mohammad Nayeem Aziz Ansari, 2008, Opportunities And Challenges Of Urban And Peri-Urban Forestry And Greening In
Bangladesh: Dhaka City As A Case, 16 p
6

Map-2 Green areas in Dhaka City
Source: Opportunities And Challenges Of Urban And Peri-Urban Forestry And
Greening In Bangladesh: Dhaka City As A Case

7

6.3.2. Trees in streets, paved paths in commercial and residential areas, car
parks etc.
These green areas comprise all trees in all roads, including Dhaka bypass, city
protection embankment, banks of the Buriganga river, lakes as well as other suitable
places including office premises, staff quarters and fallow lands etc. Trees in the
street, paved paths in commercial and residential areas differ from place to place
within the city. Highly busy areas are mostly treeless, but newly developed
residential area or commercial premises are greener than that of the other parts of
city.
7

6.3.3. Parks inside the town
Ramna park now covers an area of 68.50 acres of which the lake takes 8.76 acres.
Osmany Park along with 52 parks under DCC south takes nearly 105 acres of land.
8

There are few more parks under the control of DCC north.
6.3.4. Public and private Garden, graveyard, nursery, zoo, spots field inside
the town
There are two Public gardens in DCC. One is National Botanical Garden and the other
is Boldha Garden. The National Botanical Garden was established in 1961 covering
an area of about 84ha of land located at Mirpur, about 10 km from the city center.
The garden houses nearly 50,000 species of trees, herbs, and shrubs including a
large collection of aquatic plants. Another popular Garden named Boldha Garden, a
miniature botanical garden in old Dhaka having a rich and rare collection of plants
from 50 countries established in 1909. The garden housed about 15,000 plants
covering more than 600 species of around 335 genera belonging to 87 families.
Dhaka City Corporation maintains 5 burial grounds for Muslims, 2 Christian
Cemetery and 2 burial places for Hindus. This burial ground is comprised of nearly
120.02 acres. These areas are also a significant part of the greenery of Dhaka city.
There is only one public zoo exists at Mirpur, standing on 230 acres of land. With
different types of animals, colorful and attractive collections of different local and
foreign species of tree species are available here.

7
Mohammad Nayeem Aziz Ansari, 2008, Opportunities And Challenges Of Urban And Peri-Urban Forestry And Greening In
Bangladesh: Dhaka City As A Case, 19 p
8
http://www.dhakacity.org/Page/More/SiteMap/More_Sub_menu/1/More_Category/13/More_Sub_category/101/Parks
8

There are 5 stadiums in DCC but these are mainly open grass land with few trees
surrounding them. Besides, City Corporation maintains another 11 playgrounds,
located at the different parts of the city and they are on 6.93 acres of land.
9

6.3.5. Other green areas
Other green areas comprise the small and large public places in Dhaka City. Among
them Bango Bhabon (Residence of the President of Bangladesh), National
Parliament Building, Prime Ministers Residence and Office area, airports, museums
area, Bangla academy, few historical area like Lalbag Fort and educational institutes
are most popular green areas.
6.4. CHANGE OF GREEN AREAS OF DHAKA CITY OVER THE TIME

According to the statistics of Sustainable Development Networking Program,
Bangladesh (SDNPBD), 2005, the open space in Dhaka city is accounted only 21.57%
of its total area. Most alarming scenario found is the open space reduction. In 1982,
the total open spaces including the agricultural areas accounted about 60.69 %
(Ministry of Land, 1982) of the total land area of Dhaka mega city, where as it was
only 21.57 percent in 2005 (SDNPBD, 2005).
10

From Table 01, it is clear that over the years built-up area has increased distinctly. It
is also noteworthy that there is an evident decrease in vegetation and low land.
From the table it is evident that vegetation area is decreasing in an alarming rate.
Within 10 years it decreased over 7%.
Table 01: Summary of Land Cover Classification Statistics between 1999 and 2009
Source: http://www.geospatialworld.net/Paper/Application/ArticleView.aspx?aid=1416

9
DCC Annual Report, 2006
10
SDNPBD, 2005 Green Cities Plan for the Planet (Digital Publication).World Enviornment Day, 2005, Dhaka, Bangladesh
9

Map-3 Land Cover Maps of Dhaka City

Following the Markov Cellular Automata (CA_Markov) modeling and counting the
previous 10 years data (i.e. from 1999-2009) we can get a land cover map of Dhaka of
10

2020. From Map-4 we see the expansion of city towards south-eastern and north-
eastern parts in 2020. Over the years built-up area will increase intensively (Table 02).
Water body and vegetation will decrease. On the other hand, fallow land will increase
significantly.

Map-4 CA_Markov Projected Land Cover Map of Dhaka City (2020)

Table 02: Summary of Land Cover Classification Statistics between 2009 and 2020

11

At present, there are only 8 percent land of the total area of Dhaka city are urban
forest which comprises different types of green area like parks, playground,
graveyards, nursery, etc. Statistics shows that one person can get only
approximately 8 Sq. meter structure.
11

6.5. CAUSES OF DEFORESTATION IN DHAKA CITY
General causes of deforestation are not entirely applicable in Dhaka city as its nature
is different from stereotype forest concept which has been discussed previously. So
following causes are only applicable in Dhaka city.

6.5.1. Over population and migration
Dhaka city is one of the highly dense areas which requires more and more area for
accommodation and commercial purpose. (See table 3). The United Nations (1999)
describes the rapid population growth of this city as exceptional. The growth rate
of Dhaka Citys population will also continue to remain high and it is expected to
grow at a 3.6% annual growth rate during 2000-2015 and reach a total population
of 21.1million in 2015. Consequently, people is more interested in economic and
sustenance causes than environmental issues. Moreover migrated people from other
rural or urban areas are asking space for survival. Thus for more living areas, people
are using land for accommodation and other purposes. And it is curtailing green
areas or tree cover areas. Therefore, Sumit Chokravarty and et al. said However
there is good evidence that rapid population growth is a major indirect and over-
arching cause of deforestation. More people require more food and space which
requires more land for agriculture and habitation. This in turn results in more
clearing of forests.
12

6.5.2. Lack of space and transformation of open space
Already we have discussed about Dhaka citys area. Even though Dhaka city is being
expand under DAP ( Detailed Area Plan), its area is limited. (See table 3). So increase
of population and urban amenities mean decrease of remaining open space and
transformation of open space to modern amenities or other uses. The following
figure (figure-1) is showing during the last 23 years open spaces has been shrunk
about 49.12 percent and transformed into other types of land use mainly residential
and commercial uses.

11
Mohammad Nayeem Aziz Ansari, 2008, Opportunities And Challenges Of Urban And Peri-Urban Forestry And Greening
In Bangladesh: Dhaka City As A Case, 26 p
12
Sumit Chakravarty, S. K. Ghosh, C. P. Suresh, and A. N. Dey1 and Gopal Shukla (2012) Global Perspectives on Sustainable
Forest Management,12p

Figure-1: Changes of major types of open spaces during 1982
Source: Opportunities And Challenges Of Urban And Peri

6.5.3. Financial constraints
The lack of funds is a serious constraint for enhancing greening activities
areas such as parks, play ground, graveyard development get very little attention in
DCCs annual budget. The
year (2007-2008) for the development of city parks, open spaces and
12
Changes of major types of open spaces during 1982
Opportunities And Challenges Of Urban And Peri-Urban Forestry And Greening In Bangladesh: Dhaka City As A Case
constraints
The lack of funds is a serious constraint for enhancing greening activities
play ground, graveyard development get very little attention in
DCCs annual budget. The corporation allocated Tk 2.50 crore in its budget for fiscal
2008) for the development of city parks, open spaces and

Changes of major types of open spaces during 1982-2005.
Urban Forestry And Greening In Bangladesh: Dhaka City As A Case
The lack of funds is a serious constraint for enhancing greening activities. Green
play ground, graveyard development get very little attention in
2.50 crore in its budget for fiscal
2008) for the development of city parks, open spaces and playgrounds
13

which is only 0.8% of its total budget.
13
Most of the time DCCs own funds is not able
to keep pace with the incremental rate of urbanization, fast-growing population, and
increasing demand for its services. Therefore, DCC cuts down some budget from its
less priority agenda. Thus, the annual green areas development or plantation targets
cannot be reached
.
14

6.5.4. Weak management and problem in management
Poor management of the government is one of the likely reasons for deforestation in
Dhaka city. As the various authorities in the Dhaka city are unwilling to implement
government policies strictly due to corruption and red tappism, management
overlook environmental issues.
The watering of the plants is also a matter of concern. Whereas, WASA is struggling
to provide water to its city dwellers, how would they likely to coup up with the need
of watering for street plant and other green areas? In addition, most of the
playgrounds are in a poor condition due to the lack of maintenance by the DCC.

6.5.5. Wrong species selection
Even though government has taken initiatives for beautification of Dhaka, in many
instances she planted such species which cannot endure the harsh urban climate.
Consequently, many of them died or have become undue size.

Figure-2, Poor condition of road side plants due to wrong selection of species.
Source: Opportunities And Challenges Of Urban And Peri-Urban Forestry And Greening In Bangladesh: Dhaka City As A Case

13
http://www.bangla2000.com/News/Archive/Business/6-30-2000/news)
14

14

6.5.6. Vandalism
One of the serious causes of deforestation in Dhaka city is vandalism. Many trees,
shrubs and herbs uprooted or damaged or cut by the passerby or by the benefit
seeker. Also cattle grazing is other form of vandalism which can be seen many areas.
As Mahfuzur Rahman observed In many cases, the parks and playgrounds are
encroached upon illegally by powerful people. On the other hand the poor rootless
people occupy many parks. Many parks are infested with slums and unhygienic
condition is created there by these people.
15

6.5.7. Lack of awareness and willingness
As Mohammad Ansari observed Most people of Bangladesh are poor and illiterate.
There is serious lacking of public awareness about the necessity and environmental,
social and economic benefits of trees. Therefore, they dont hesitate cut the trees and
their poverty encourage them to do it. Not only the general public but also the
Government Authority sometimes occupies the open spaces to save the cost of land
acquisition for developments works. Education and research gap on urban greening
are another problem for future greening activities.
16

6.5.8. Environmental factors
As Dhaka is one the most polluted cities, its environment is very important cause for
deforestation. Due to pollution, many species do not grow up without proper caring.
Especially the air pollution is big factor. Various toxic gases such as NOX, SOX have
adverse effect on the vegetation. The particulate matters in thick layer of dust on the
leaves beside the road reduce the sunlight incidence on the leaves, hence hinder
photosynthesis.
Most of the road sides, plants with blooming flowers are planted along with different
types of herbs and grasses. But the flowers cannot survive the strains of heat from
exhaust pipes of the vehicles and the poisonous gases emitted. Having gathered
much dust on them the flowers soon loss their beauty and wilted.
17

6.5.9. Government policy and planning
According to government forestry policy 1994 .To combat pollution, the
Government shall adopt urban forestry activities in all the municipal areas of the
country. To achieve this goal, the municipalities, town development authorities and
other related autonomous bodies shall help the Government in the implementation

15
http://archive.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=108000
16
17
Pervez Rana et al, Dreaming of Green City Dhaka, (an assignment), 8 p
15

of the programmes via zoning and allotting land for tree plantation. The town
planning authorities must keep provisions for tree planting in their development
plans by setting aside specific areas for this purpose.
18
This policy is not being
implemented in all aspects and moreover, the policy has not been updated based on
need.
6.5.10. Urbanization/Industrialization and infrastructure
Expanding cities and towns require land to establish the infrastructures necessary
to support growing population which is done by clearing the forests.
19
The
construction of roads, railways, bridges, and airports opens up the land to
development and brings increasing numbers of people to the forest frontier.
20

6.5.11. Economic causes
One point of view is that development will increase land productivity and thereby
reduce the need to clear forests to meet food requirements. Another is that
development will produce further capital and incentive to expand and clear more
forest.
21

6.6. EFFECTS OF DEFORESTATION IN DHAKA CITY
Effects of deforestation on city are quite severe. Followings are the few of such
effects.
6.6.1. Climate change
Deforestation resulted in increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere which indeed
absorbs thermal infrared radiation and thus causing the greenhouse effects. From
the figure 2 we can see how emission of CO
2
increasing in Bangladesh. One of the
reasons of such increase is deforestation.
Moreover deforestation can lead to increase in the albedo of the land surface and
hence affects the radiation budget of the region. Deforestation affects wind flows,
water vapour flows and absorption of solar energy thus clearly influencing local and
global climate. Deforestation on lowland plains moves cloud formation and rainfall
to higher elevations. Deforestation disrupts normal weather patterns creating hotter
and drier weather.

18
Junaid K. Choudhury and Md. Abdullah Abraham Hossain, Bangladesh forestry outlook study, 2011, p39
19
Mather, A. S. 1991. Global Forest Resources International Book Distributors, Dehra Dun.
20
Sumit Chakravarty, S. K. Ghosh, C. P. Suresh, and A. N. Dey1 and Gopal Shukla (2012) Global Perspectives on Sustainable
Forest Management, 9 p
21
Ibid, 13p

Figure-3 State of energy consumption and co2 emission in Bangladesh.
Source: AMBIO: A journal of the human environment, vol, 35, issue
6.6.2. Water and soil resource loss and flooding
Deforestation can also result into watersheds that are no longer able to sustain and
regulate water flows. The result is
conventional phenomenon for low laying areas of Dhaka
causes soil erosion thus also silting of water courses, lakes and dams.
Fig-4 Before deforestation
Source: PPT slides of Deforestation( prepared by
Deforestation increases flooding mainly
fountaineffect, soils are more likely to be fully saturated with water. The sponge
fills up earlier in wet season, causing additional precipitation to run off and
16
State of energy consumption and co2 emission in Bangladesh.
Source: AMBIO: A journal of the human environment, vol, 35, issue
soil resource loss and flooding
The result is downstream flooding,
conventional phenomenon for low laying areas of Dhaka.
Before deforestation Fig-5 After deforestation
Source: PPT slides of Deforestation( prepared by Joe Naumann)
Deforestation increases flooding mainly for two reasons. First, with a smaller tree
wet season, causing additional precipitation to run off and
State of energy consumption and co2 emission in Bangladesh.
Source: AMBIO: A journal of the human environment, vol, 35, issue-2, March, 2006
downstream flooding, which has become
This downstream flow

After deforestation
Joe Naumann)
for two reasons. First, with a smaller tree
wet season, causing additional precipitation to run off and
17

increasing flood risk. Second, deforestation often results in soil compaction unable
to absorb rain. Locally, this causes a faster response of stream flows to rainfall and
thus potential flash flooding.
22

In Dhaka we occasionally see such flash flooding. Flooding is the most common
disaster in Dhaka and erratic changes in temperature and rainfall, with increased
frequency of floods, are becoming more evident. Dhaka experiences floods every
year, with really severe ones on average every five years. Major floods occurred in
1954, 1955, 1970, 1974, 1980, 1987, 1988, 1998, 2004 and 2007 (1988, 1998 and
2004 were catastrophic).
23
After Shanghai in eastern China, Bangladesh capital
Dhaka has been adjudged as the most flood prone metropolis among the nine cities
of the coastal countries of the world, according to a vulnerability index worked out
by a British university with researchers from the Netherlands.
24
Deforestation is one
of the causes of such floods. More tree means more absorption of water and thereby
a protective measure for flush flood.
6.6.3. Ecological misbalance
As a result of the predominance of concrete buildings, asphalt and metal as well as
the concentration of transport systems and industrial activities in and around Dhaka
City, the median temperature is higher (the "heat island" effect), the air is drier and
often polluted, rainfall is less efficiently absorbed and the environment is generally
noisier than in a rural setting.
25
In such case more trees could bring ecological
harmony in Dhaka city as tree leaves are good absorber of heat and because of tree
leaves air remain humid and rainfall is natural.
6.6.4. Air pollution
One of the major problems in Dhaka is poor air quality and this is intensifying
because of deforestation. The Carbon Monoxide concentration in Dhaka air is about
11ppm whereas the standard is 9 ppm. Similarly the lead concentration in Dhaka Air
is 4.63 ug/m3 ppm whereas the standard is 0.5 -1 ug/m3 ppm. The concentration of
Sulfur Dioxide in Dhaka commercial and residential areas is 472.9 ug/m3 and 63.5

22
Ibid, 16 p
23
http://www.irinnews.org/pdf/in-depth/tomorrowscrisestoday-chapter4.pdf, 42 p
24
http://www.thefinancialexpress-bd.com/more.php?news_id=140896&date=2012-08-24
25
Anonymous, Urban forestry status in Dhaka City-A parametric study on avenue, 8 p
18

ug/m3 respectively, whereas the standard is 40-60 ug/m3.
26

Figure-6 Air pollution in Dhaka
(source: http://www.irinnews.org/Report/83772/BANGLADESH-Air-pollution-choking-Dhaka)
An estimated 15,000 premature deaths, as well as several million cases of
pulmonary, respiratory and neurological illness are attributed to poor air quality in
Dhaka, according to the Air Quality Management Project (AQMP), funded by the
government and the World Bank.
27
According to the Department of Environment
(DoE) the density of airborne particulate matter (PM) reaches 463 micrograms per
cubic metre (mcm) in the city during the dry season (December-March) - the highest
level in the world.
28

Plants help remove pollutants from the air in three ways: absorption by the leaves
or the soil surface; deposition of particulates and aerosols on leaf surfaces; and fall
out of particulates on the leeward (downwind) side of the vegetation because of the
slowing of air movement.
29

Research on the removal of airborne pollutants by vegetation shows that plants are
effective sinks for pollution. Trees absorb sulphur dioxide very efficiently. It has
been quantified an 85 percent reduction in lead behind a shelter-belt of trees.
30
Soil
effectively absorbs gaseous pollutants, including carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide,
nitrogen oxides, ozone and hydrocarbons. Trees intercept dust: a belt of trees
measuring 30 meters in width has been found to intercept almost all dust in the air.
Leaf stomata, the pores on the leaf surface, take in polluting gases which are then
absorbed by water inside the leaf.

26
Unpaid K. Choudhury And Md. Abdullah Abraham Hossain, 2011, Bangladesh Forestry Outlook, p-72
27
http://www.irinnews.org/Report/83772/BANGLADESH-Air-pollution-choking-Dhaka
28
see:http://www.doe-bd.org/
29
Junaid K. Choudhury And Md. Abdullah Abraham Hossain, 2011, Bangladesh Forestry Outlook, p-8
30
Keller T (1979) The possibilities of using plants to alleviate the effects of motor vehicles. TRRL Symposium Report 513
DOE/DT.
19

A study across the Chicago region determined that trees removed approximately 17
tons of carbon monoxide (CO), 93 tons of sulfur dioxide (SO2), 98 tons of nitrogen
dioxide (NO2), and 210 tons of ozone in 1991.
6.6.5. Temperature escalation
We have experienced consistently hot weather in Dhaka especially in Summer
seasons. One of the reasons of such hot weather is deforestation in Dhaka city. Trees,
shrubs and other vegetation help to control temperature extremes in urban
environments by modifying solar radiation. The shade of one large tree may reduce
the temperature of a given building to the same extent as would 15 air conditioners
at 4000 British thermal units (BTU), i.e. 4220 kJ, in a similar but unshaded building.
Energy saving through tree-planting around houses ranges from 10 to 50 percent
for cooling and from 4 to 22 percent for heating (NAA/ISA 1991).
31

6.6.6. Noise pollution
Due to heavy traffic and hydraulic horn Dhaka is experiencing acute noise pollution.
It is mostly happening in the busy areas where numbers of trees are very few. Trees
can help both by absorbing and refracting or dissipating noise such as that produced
by the heavy vehicular traffic which characterizes urban areas.
6.6.7. Loss of aesthetic quality
Trees have some aesthetic and recreational values which applicable to all city
dwellers. Trees fulfill certain psychological, social and cultural needs of the urban
dweller. Deforestation in Dhaka is thus reducing such aesthetic quality.
6.7. EXISTING MEASURES
Though establishment of small patches of forest or vegetative cover inside urban
areas is yet to become popular, some parks have been established especially in
Dhaka City. During 1997 to 2000, the forest department launched a small project
under the name Nagar Bonayan (City Afforestation). Under that project 33,000
seedlings were planted mostly at the institutions premises in urban areas. Similar
institution-planting in urban areas has been undertaken by various social forestry
projects since1982.
A public-private partnership program called Beautification of Dhaka City was
launched in 2004. The work is being carried out under supervision of the Prime

31
Anonymous, Urban forestry status in Dhaka City-A parametric study on avenue, 8 p
20

Ministers office and DCC. The government identified 54 private and 17 government
organizations and allotted 105 spots for the beautification of the city.
One most important supplementary financing mechanism has been developed in
Bangladesh in the form of Tree Farming Fund (TFF).This fund is created out of 10%
of sale proceeds of social forestry harvest that kept separate for the development of
plantation in the following rotation by the social forestry beneficiaries. This fund is
operated by a committee of SF beneficiaries made under SF Rules 2004. From 2001
an amount of BDT 347.296 million have so far been deposited in different TFFs
throughout the country including Dhaka. But exact amount spent for Dhaka is
unknown.
Voluntary organizations have taken initiatives to citizen involvement for increase
roof top gardening. Already a society has been formed named Bangladesh Green
Roof Movement. Jointly cooperated with Idcol a NGO, this society has taken a
gardening project at the rooftops of 111 houses in the DCC area. This is a pioneer
leading initiative, would be an inspiring example for the dwellers of the other part of
the city to take such benefit. Another scheme has taken by the Dhaka Journalist
Housing Cooperative Society. They planned to make all the roof of their housing
society green by Gardening.
Besides government, some other organizations such as ASHA, Nishorgo, NNC, BAPA
etc. are working for green areas of Dhaka. See figure-6 for their activities.
Figure-6 Greening activities taken by the different organizations in Dhaka city.
Source: Opportunities And Challenges Of Urban And Peri-Urban Forestry And Greening In Bangladesh: Dhaka City As A Case
21

7. POSSIBLE MEASURES AGAINST DEFORESTATION
7.1. Khas land can be used for plantation after recovering from illegal
ownership
According to the Daily Sun dated on 17
th
September, 2012 A parliamentary
watchdog Monday came up with the observation that a section of dishonest land
employees and officials had intentionally recorded 2,800 acres of state land in
Dhaka as private property. Even, as many as 44 canals had been registered as
private property 10 years ago, said the meeting of the parliamentary standing
committee on land ministry at the Sangsad Bhaban.
32
So these Khas land can be
used for urban plantation or urban forestry.

7.2. Increase of DCC budget allocation
In 2007-2008 fiscal year DCC budget for beautification and plantation was 2.5 crore.
However, over the time she reduced her allocation. In 2011-2012 fiscal it came to
.75 crore. whereas total expenses of DCC for the year 2011-2012, was 2665 crore
taka. DCC should increase her allocation for tree plantation and city beautification.
33

7.3. Protection and maintenance of existing parks and other
green areas
Government along with city dwellers should take for protecting and maintaining
existing parks and other green areas. Due to have inadequate resources and
manpower, DCC alone would not be able to protect and maintain existing park and
other green areas.

7.4. Establishment new small parks play grounds, garden in
expanding areas of the city
There are also some opportunities exist to promote green areas in residential and
commercial premises in Dhaka. As government already have policy which requires
developing companies to keep certain amount of green areas in their project, the
government and the companies should strict to this policy. It will increase green
areas.

7.5. Forestry policy need to be updated
From the previous discussion we came to know that government policy on forestry
or urban forestry is very outdated. So it need to be updated and should focus on

32
the daily Sun, 17/09/2012
33
www.dhakacity.org, Budget, financial year 2011-2012
22

realistic focus on urban forestry especially in Dhaka. Also the government should
increase green areas allocation in the DAP (Detailed Area Plan) of Dhaka.

7.6. Introducing pollution eating trees
Pollution eating tree can be introduced to reduced pollution thus enhancing the
durability of other green areas as we know that pollution is hindrance for many
existing species.
Pollution-eating poplar trees like poplar can be planted in industrial hazardous
areas. Bio-remediation is the cleaning up of pollutants with living things. Genetic
modification is making it a reality. The poplars, developed by Purdue University
researchers, will be planted at the Chrysler LLC Peter's Pond hazardous waste site,
which is contaminated with
trichloroethylene, or TCE.
The trees' makers claim the
poplars break down the
pollutant into harmless
constituents.
34

Poplar trees bioengineered
to break down contaminants
will be used to clean up a
hazardous waste site.

Figure-7 Poplar tree
Source:http://www.thedailygreen.com/environmental-news/latest/pollution-eating-tree-47011201

7.7. Encourage rooftop gardening activities
Like Bangladesh green roof
movement, it is possible to go
for rooftop gardening in DCC
area. It will increase the green
areas of Dhaka.
Figure-9, Sample of rooftop gardening
in Dhaka
Source: http://www.daily-
sun.com/details_yes_11-01-2013_Gardening-
in-Free-Time_376_4_14_1_5.html

34
http://www.thedailygreen.com/environmental-news/latest/pollution-eating-tree-47011201
23

7.8. City Strengthen city beautification programme and increase
avenue plantation
Government already with the help of private organizations undertaken city
beautification program. Under this program she has planted many trees.
However, many of them were uprooted, destroyed, vandalised, or died. Therefore
she can go for replanting those areas including encompassing new areas.
Among various new options, avenue plantation should get more focus.

7.9. Promote nursery
Promoting, patronising and if needed providing subsidy form government will
encourage many to establish new nursery which in turn will reduce the price of
seedlings. In addition, it will increase the availability of various species and plants
and thus will increase the planting trees by the mass.

7.10. Implementation of social forestry considering poor.
FAO defined social forestry as 'any situation which intimately involves local
people in a forestry activity'. It excludes large scale industrial forestry and other
form of forestry which contributes to development solely through employment
and wages, but includes activities by forestry industries and public services to
encourage and assist forestry activities at a community level.
Even though, social forestry very much in fashion in other areas except urban
areas, it can be an option for Dhaka specially in the low laying areas and outskirt
underdeveloped areas.

7.11. Selecting right species
It is very important to choose right species for right place. Otherwise, only
beatification consideration will not last long as the species will not be able to
endure in harsh environment. For example for avenue planting we can go for
following species: Sonalu (Cassia fistula), Ashok (Saracaasoca), Koroi (Albiziaprocera),
Neem (Azadirachtaindica), Jhau (Casuarinaequisetifolia), Debdaru (Polyalthialongifolia),
Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus camaldulensis )etc.

7.12. Increasing awareness among the mass
Many of our city dwellers do not the importance of urban forestry and effects of
deforestation in Dhaka city. Therefore, they can not help against deforestation.
24

Mass awareness through public and private ventures can reduce deforestation in
Dhaka city.

7.13. Reduce population growth and increase per capita incomes
Reduction of population growth is pivotal in reducing deforestation in the Dhaka
city. Consequent of reduced population, increase in per capita income will occur
as a consequence of increased incomes and literacy rates which will reduce
pressure on the remaining green areas for new human settlement and land use
change.

8. FINDINGS OF THE PAPER
Most important findings of the paper is following.
Use of Khas land (2800 acres) for tree plantation or green areas.
Use of poplar tree for reduction of industrial pollution.
No survey has been conducted in Dhaka to count trees or exact amount of
areas as green areas. However, based on satellite projection an estimation
has been reached.
No specific research on Dhaka citys deforestation has been found.
Further research can be conducted based on hypothesis. For example
reduction population growth and increasing per capita income will slow
the deforestation rate in Dhaka city.

9. CONCLUSION
From the above discussion we have come to know about the appalling situation of
deforestation in Dhaka. It is reducing ever since. One of the most important causes is
overpopulation and migration in Dhaka. So steps should be taken against
deforestation. Various steps can be taken. Among various steps, using khas land,
preservation of existing ones, selecting right species and techniques, rooftop
planting, mass awareness, financial aid from government, research work etc. are
important ones. It is not the government only, but also the mass population should
work for better Dhaka. In such way Dhaka would be at least better if not a green city.

25

10. APPENDIX
10.1. Google map of Dhaka City

Map-5 Google Map of Dhaka City Source: Google Map

26

10.2. Rajuk Proposed Urban Area Plan

Map-6, RAJUK proposed Urban area Plan 1995-2005 for Dhaka city Green area
Source: Opportunities And Challenges Of Urban And Peri-Urban Forestry And Greening
In Bangladesh: Dhaka City As A Case
27

10.3. Historical Growth of Dhaka

Figure 10, Historical Growth of Dhaka
Source: Source: Urban Planning Department, Dhaka City Corporation, 2004 (Not according to scale)
10.4. Seminar Picture
10.4.1. Participant of the seminar

Figure-11 Participants (Research Fellow) of the seminar.

28

10.4.2. Dean and key note speaker

Figure-12 Dean of FGS and the key note speaker of the seminar
10.4.3. Key note speaker on the dias

Figure 13 Keynote speaker (B. M. Ashra Atique)

29

10.4.4. Keynote speaker infront of seminar topic

Figure-14 The keynote speaker after his speech.
10.4.5. The keynote speaker with his presentation slides

Figure 15 The keynote speaker infront of his presentation slides.
30

10.4.6. Photosession after seminar

Picture-6 Photo session with fellow reaserchers (from left top , Mr.
Shamshul Haque, Mr. Akhteruzzaman, Mr. Al Amin, Mr. Parvez, Mr.
Mahbub, Mr. Aziz, Mr. Atique, Mr. Akbar Ali, and Mr. Showkat)

31

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