The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

The absence of decentralisation of the administration and unplanned urbanisation are the main causes of the chronic traffic jam in the city, which kills a lot of productive time of the city dwellers.

Experts said this yesterday at a roundtable meeting on 'Remedies to Create Suitable Environment for Plying Public Transport, Non Motorised Vehicles' and Walking' organised by Save Environment Movement (SEM) at the National Press Club.

They said along with decentralisation and planned urbanisation, increase in service standards of public buses, friendly environment for plying of fuel free vehicles as well as restricting running of private cars within the city limits are needed to reduce the traffic jam.

Experts urged the government to take immediate steps to decentralise the administration and relocate some government offices outside the capital by developing other major cities and towns, which would minimise the burden on the capital.

Creating suitable environment for pedestrians and developing the habit of riding the bicycles would lead to easing of traffic jam in the city, they hoped.

Dr KM Maniruzzaman, professor of Urban and Rural Planning Department of BUET said about 50 persons could travel in a bus, while the same number of people can be carried by at least 30 to 40 private cars.

Former Chairman of University Grants Commission (UGC) said traffic system should be planned in such way that the transport cost remains within the limit of people's ability.

Dr AQM Mahabub, Chairman of Geography and Environment Department of Dhaka University said the facilities for walking should be developed first as large number of people use footpaths. Convener of SEM Abu Naser Khan moderated the roundtable, which was atended by Prof Dr Zobaer Bin Alam of Civil Engineering Department BUET, Dr Selina Hayat Aivi, Municipal Chairman, Narayanganj and Social Worker KM Jahangir.