Decreasing Green Spaces in Dhaka: A Barrier to Healthy Youth Development
Dhaka is rapidly growing, and the decline of playgrounds, parks, and open spaces is a worrying issue that impacts the health and well-being of youth. Experts, urban planners, journalists, and youth activists are worried about the decline of recreational spaces. They emphasize that these areas are essential for physical activity and are important for social, educational, and psychological growth.
Experts at a recent Green Voice dialogue at the National Press Club discussed the growing loss of open spaces and its effects on young people. The discussion “Playgrounds, Parks, Open Spaces, and Public Places: Youth’s Right, Not a Duty” emphasized the need to protect these areas.
The Shrinking G environments where they can gather, express themselves, and participate in civic life. Urban planners and policymakers must prioritize these communities to ensure a fair distribution of public resources. square kilometers of green and open spaces. Fast forward to 2023, and this area has dwindled to a mere 29.85 square kilometers. Dhaka has just 0.02 acres of space for every 1,000 people, far below the WHO standard of 9 square meters per person. Moreover, many of the remaining parks and playgrounds are being encroached upon or locked behind gates, further limiting public access. These developments are a direct consequence of rapid urbanization, land grabbing, and poor urban planning.
The Importance of Open Spaces for Youth Development
Architect Iqbal Habib emphasized that protecting open spaces is crucial for the health, education, and social development of youth, beyond just recreation. Open spaces provide a safe environment for children and young adults to engage in physical activities, improving their physical health and mental well-being. They provide chances for social interaction and help develop essential life skills such as teamwork and conflict resolution. However, weak social connections among youth can lead them to the streets and promote antisocial behaviors. He noted that marginalized groups, including women and children, often bear the brunt of urban neglect. These groups are often barred from public spaces that are vital for community safety and well-being, not just for recreation. Privatizing these spaces for commercial purposes leaves the most vulnerable members of society with limited access to safe and inclusive environments.
The Role of Public Spaces in Fostering Social Justice
Journalist Shuvo Kibria argued that the issue of preserving public spaces is also deeply intertwined with social justice. He noted that marginalized groups, including women and children, often bear the brunt of urban neglect. These groups are often excluded from public spaces that are vital for community safety and well-being, not just for recreation. When these spacPrivatizing public spaces often leaves vulnerable groups with few chances to access safe and inclusive environments.aka’s Public Spaces
Youth advocates have proposed actions to protect and expand Dhaka’s diminishing open spaces, parks, and playgrounds due to the worsening situation.
- Evicting illegal occupants from public spaces, including private clubs built on land originally designated for play areas
- Converting unused land into public spaces
- Creating regional parks and eco-parks in underdeveloped areas
- Prohibiting deforestation and promoting green building initiatives such as green rooftops and vertical gardens
- Providing incentives for creating urban green spaces
These proposals seek to increase and improve open spaces, making them accessible, safe, and inclusive for all residents, especially youth.Global Lessons: A Green Economy for Urban Development
The challenges faced by Dhaka are not unique. Many rapidly urbanizing cities around the world—such as Jakarta, Mumbai, and Cairo—are also struggling with the loss of green spaces due to uncontrolled development and poor urban planning. However, cities like Singapore and Copenhagen have demonstrated how cities can evolve to meet the needs of both urban development and environmental sustainability. Through the creation of eco-friendly urban planning and green spaces, these cities have improved public health, social cohesion, and overall quality of life for their residents.
Dhaka can draw inspiration from these global examples. By investing in green infrastructure, creating more public parks, and promoting eco-tourism, the city can not only meet its environmental goals but also foster a green economy that provides economic opportunities through sustainable urban development.
A Call to Action: Protecting Youth and Residents.
Protecting green spaces in Dhaka is a call to action for both policymakers and residents. Without immediate intervention, the physical and mental health of young people and the city’s future sustainability. Without immediate intervention, the environmental, social, and economic costs will be far-reaching.
As Dhaka continues to urbanize, it must prioritize sustainable urban development by preserving public spaces for future generations. In doing so, the city can transform its current challenges into opportunities for growth, while fostering a healthier, more equitable environment for all its residents.
