Blue-Green Infrastructure (BGI) in Bangladesh: Present Scenario and Possible Strategies
摘要
Bangladesh, a densely populated country with limited land resources, has become more susceptible to several environmental issues due to rapid urbanization and climate change. In this regard, the concept of Blue-Green Infrastructure (BGI) is appeared to be a viable strategy to meet societal and ecological demands. In order to ensure a superior standard of living in an urban environment, it is essential to maintain a harmonious equilibrium between the blue (water), green (vegetation), and gray (built) spaces. Nevertheless, the swift and unregulated progress is significantly modifying the characteristics of the soil, water bodies, and flora in this densely populated, disaster-prone country. Due to the country’s rapid and uncontrolled urbanization, Bangladesh is experiencing a decline in the number of blue and green spaces, especially in large cities such as Dhaka, Chittagong, Khulna, and Rajshahi. Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, ranks among the world’s top 10 megacities as a result of its rapid population increase. Urbanization has led to the conversion of lower lands such as ponds and lakes into reclaimed build-up lands, resulting in a reduction of the blue-green infrastructure. However, in order to enhance the ability of cities to withstand and recover from disasters, the local community and other relevant parties are collaborating with the government and non-governmental organizations to expand the extent of blue-green infrastructure. While BGIs are receiving attention in contemporary urban planning procedures, their balanced implementation into urban planning techniques has not yet been recognized. Consequently, this chapter offers an overview of BGI’s overall state in Bangladesh, as well as its effects on Dhaka, the country’s most populous metropolis, and potential regulatory improvements.