Unplanned urbanization in the Himalayan region grows due to climate change
By Sadman Sad
Bangladesh is one of the most vulnerable countries in the world due to climate change. According to a 2019 report, unplanned urbanization is increasingly growing in the Himalayan region due to climate change. And this has led to the threat of a severe water crisis in the region.
There are eight Himalayan countries, including Bangladesh, that will be affected by unplanned urbanization. The report also recommended a long-term plan for urbanization in the hilly areas to address the crisis. From now on, those concerned should be proactive in taking into account the recommendations.
Due to climate change, our country is experiencing unseasonal droughts, rains, cyclones, and very hot weather. As a result, many Bangladesh areas are flooded, and our coastal locations and the other regions, including the largest beach Cox’s Bazar, could be affected.
The population of the country is increasing day by day. The construction of houses on agricultural land is growing for this population. Unplanned urbanization is happening. It is becoming difficult to maintain the balance of the environment.
The report identifies tourism and pilgrimage as the reasons behind the increase in urbanization in the Himalayas. It has been said that the rise in unplanned urbanization has also increased the dependence on mountain waterfall and river water management.
The entire Himalayan region is spread over an area of 4.2 million square kilometers, by eight countries. Apart from Bangladesh, other countries are Afghanistan, Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal, and Pakistan.
If this rapidly unplanned urbanization in the environmentally sensitive region of the Himalayas is not controlled, billions of people will face a deep water crisis.
The hill town centers spread across the Himalayan region fail to supply water as per the demand from the water sources located in their municipal areas.
Due to unplanned urbanization in the mountains, dependence on groundwater is increasing. In addition to the water crisis in the hilly areas, pollution and population are growing.
Experts have called for a long-term and well-planned strategy to address the crisis. Bangladesh was able to say in 2009 what Bangladesh should do about climate change, what the world should do.
In this reality, Bangladesh Delta Plan-2100 has been formulated to support Bangladesh’s long-term development by considering water resources management, climate change, and environmental challenges.
Water and environmental targets have been specified in this plan promptly. This is a very informative and scientific plan, which we have to move forward through implementation.
We have no choice but to implement the delta plan. At the same time, countries at risk of climate change should work together.
