DHAKA's relentless concrete march has filled its fields, drained its wetlands and paved the spaces that once absorbed water, relieved heat and provided refuge. We built higher, but not smarter. If the earthquake revealed fragility, it also offered a chance to restore a relationship with nature that cities like ours can no longer ignore. Green and open spaces serve as emergency gathering points and strengthen evacuation and disaster resilience; Without them, these concrete canyons could become deadly traps during earthquakes.
Green space dilemma
URBAN green spaces and forest areas are crucial for urban planning but are severely neglected in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The concept of urban green infrastructure is a key indicator of sustainable development goals. With a population density of over 23,234 people per square kilometer, Dhaka is one of the most densely populated cities in the world. In 1991, green spaces in Dhaka South City Corporation accounted for 46 percent of the area; In 2001 this value fell to 25 percent and in 2020 to just 8 percent. In Dhaka North City Corporation, normal vegetation cover decreased by about 65.9 percent from 1992 to 2022, while urban areas grew by nearly 95 percent. The waters also shrank by over 32.4 percent. The vegetation cover in Dhaka North City Corporation is currently only 16.17 percent, which does not meet the standards for sustainable urban greening. The lack of green space has led to serious environmental problems, including poor air quality, heat island effects and reduced biodiversity. Dhaka is often considered one of the most polluted cities, with PM 2.5 levels often exceeding safe limits. Tracking historical changes in land use and land cover is a critical factor for effective resource management, sustainable development and comprehensive planning.
Essential elements of green urban spaces
GREEN urban spaces are critical to the environmental, social, economic and security resilience of cities. They absorb CO2 and release oxygen, improving air quality and helping to counteract climate change; In Dhaka, expanding green spaces could reduce urban carbon emissions by about 10 percent. Vegetation cools neighborhoods, limits stormwater runoff and flooding, and provides habitat for diverse species.
Parks and open spaces support mental health, reduce stress, and serve as inclusive social gathering spaces for gatherings, exercise, and recreation. Many also have cultural and historical value and strengthen the community's identity.
Green spaces boost local economies by increasing property values, attracting residents and businesses, attracting tourists and boosting commerce. By shading buildings and managing stormwater, they can also reduce energy consumption and municipal infrastructure costs.
Biodiversity and sustainability are promoted through diverse plantings, native species, energy efficient systems, sustainable waste practices and community stewardship – approaches that reduce maintenance needs and environmental impact.
In disaster-prone countries like Bangladesh, open and green spaces are essential security assets. Parks, playing fields, and vacant lots can serve as emergency gathering points, escape routes, and emergency shelters during earthquakes and other tremors. In densely built cities with limited public space, the lack of such safe areas can turn natural hazards into human disasters.
Successful initiatives
DHAKA is witnessing a rise in roof gardens and urban farming to address the lack of green spaces. These initiatives not only produce fresh produce but also create small green oases in crowded areas. Organizations are actively planting gardens and trees throughout the city to reduce pollution and heat, thereby improving the health of residents. The government is working to restore degraded land, promote rooftop gardens and create more public parks with native plants to improve the urban ecosystem.
Known as the Garden City, Singapore boasts its stunning Gardens by the Bay. As this South Asian metropolis grows rapidly, city planners are integrating nature with modern developments to ensure the city remains livable and sustainable. One of Europe's greenest capitals, London boasts patches of greenery that provide a refreshing contrast to the towering glass and steel structures amidst the concrete jungle.
Strategies for transformation
ACTIVATE unused spaces by converting rooftops into community gardens involving residents, businesses and schools to provide fresh produce and green space in densely populated areas. Install vertical gardens on building facades to improve aesthetics and filter out pollutants when horizontal space is limited. Transform street medians, vacant lots, and gaps between buildings into small parks that serve as safe gathering points in an emergency. The recent earthquake has caused evacuation problems in crowded neighborhoods. Strategically placed, safe open spaces can save lives. Involve residents in planning and maintenance to create ownership and ensure these spaces meet local needs. Incorporate lakes, ponds, fountains, and rainwater harvesting to manage stormwater while increasing convenience.
Integrate these initiatives into a coherent city plan. The research highlights the need for better planning, infrastructure and governance to address health risks from unplanned growth. Building on international practice, Dhaka can build an interconnected green network by using tools such as the Green Space Factor and the Green Point System to advance city greening, climate-smart design, responsible waste management and sustainable governance. There is evidence that combining green roofs and green walls can reduce PM2.5 in Santiago by up to 7.3 percent; 50 to 75 percent GR coverage on low-rise buildings significantly improves air quality for pedestrians. Leeward planting plans can halve particulate matter at a height of 2 meters on downstream roads.
At least 20 percent of properties in new developments must be green to both cool the city and improve air quality and create continuous open space to support evacuation, emergency response and disaster recovery. Introduce Dhaka Green Building certification that rewards energy efficient projects with expedited approvals and tax breaks. Drive systemic change with carbon credits and green taxes, ensuring polluters pay while green companies receive incentives.
Address feasibility early: Check the structural capacity for soil and plantings of older buildings, as well as the budget for installing and maintaining vertical gardens. Consider legal hurdles when converting vacant land to private ownership and plan for varying levels of community involvement.
Learn from global leaders like Singapore and adapt their approaches to the context of Dhaka. Together, these measures can restore the city's natural heritage, reduce pollution and heat, and create a healthier, more livable urban environment.
The recent quake should be remembered not just for a few seconds of fear, but also for what it revealed. Concrete alone cannot hold a city together; Balance can. Parks serve as safety zones, trees cool and stabilize the soil, and open water reduces flooding and heat—the very systems that protect us as the earth moves.
Retaking Dhaka is ultimately about restoring security, dignity and resilience. This city doesn't need more skyline; it needs living soil and anchored roots. If we heed the message of this shaken ground, the next time our city moves, it may falter – but it will not break.
Dr. MD Abdul Latif is the new director of the Bangladesh Institute of Government and Management. Sabiha binta saif sondhi is an urban planner.