Dhaka has turned into a strong ‘Urban Heat Island’ because of too much concrete, unplanned city growth, draining of wetlands, and random tree cutting. In the 2026 monsoon season, strange temperature changes and hot, humid weather from climate change made life very hard for people living in the city.
To tackle the rising temperatures and serious environmental problems in the city, the Department of Environment, Bangladesh and Dhaka North and South City Corporations have come together for a new plan. They aim to plant many trees in the capital, which is an important move to make Dhaka livable again.
Outline and Plan for the Mega Project: This mega project includes specific steps to lower concrete use in Dhaka city and bring back its green spaces:
Planting trees in roads and empty areas: This project plants fast-growing and shade-providing trees that are local to the area. Trees are being added in every empty spot in the city, in the middle of roads, under overpasses, and along the main roads. Priority is being given to those trees that are more effective in absorbing carbon dioxide from the air and reducing the surrounding temperature.
Walls and Vertical Greening of Government Institutions: The idea of ‘vertical gardening’ is being used by planting climbing plants on the ground and on the walls of different government buildings. This will help lower the heat that concrete absorbs.
Educational institutions and open areas: Tree planting programs have been improved in empty areas of schools, colleges, universities, and neighborhoods in the capital. This aims to encourage future generations to plant trees.
Municipal tax break for rooftop gardening: A plan has been started to promote rooftop gardening. This aims to help city residents make Dhaka’s rooftops green and cool. This policy allows special exemptions in municipal tax or holding tax for buildings with green roofs or rooftop gardens. This will help lower urban temperatures.
Urban Heat Island Crisis and Its Dangers: Dhaka city is filled with concrete and asphalt roads. These materials soak up and hold in the sun’s heat, so temperatures stay high even at night. This is called the ‘Urban Heat Island Effect’ in scientific language.
Energy use in the city is going up a lot because people are using too many air conditioners and fans. Air pollution is rising, and issues like heat stroke, dehydration, and different breathing problems are spreading quickly among people, especially children and older adults.
Due to the lack of trees, rainwater cannot penetrate the ground quickly, creating waterlogging, which further increases the intensity of the heat.
Conclusion and Green Page Viewpoint: We must green Dhaka by stopping the growth of concrete buildings. This will help restore its natural spaces and make it a lively city.
It is not possible to save Dhaka from this heat through any single government project alone; this requires the spontaneous participation of the city’s residents. If this big plan, led by both the public and private sectors, is done right, it can quickly make Dhaka a nice, green, and livable city.
Green Page believes that the successful implementation of these long-term plans for environmental protection can gift our future generations a safe and healthy Dhaka.
