The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

Environment activists, architects, lawyers and city planners yesterday underscored the need for the approval of proposed ' National Urbanisation Policy' with a view to helping full implementation of urbanisation and best utilisation of land in the country.

Their observation came at a press conference on " Review on Detailed Area Plan (DAP) of Dhaka City" at the Planners Towers in the city.

Bangladesh Institute of Planners (BIP), Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (BAPA), Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association (BELA), Institute of Architect Bangladesh (IAB) and Centre for Urban Studies (CUS) have jointly organised the event.

Prof Mozaffar Ahmad, President, architect Iqbal Habib, joint secretary of BAPA, Syeda Rezwana Hasan of BELA, architect Mobashher Hossain, President, architect Md Ferozuddin, member of IAB, Prof Sarwar Jahan, President, Ishrat Islam, member, planner Akhter Mahmud of BIP and Prof Nurul Islam Nazem, General Secretary of CUS, among others, attended.

Speakers said the whole proposals of DAP report is 'non-specific' in terms of definition, identification and proposition. Most of the proposals are suggestive type in nature. Contradictions and inconsistencies between draft plan report and relevant drawings must be removed before finalisation of DAP of the city.

They called upon the RAJUK to remove anomalies of DAP.

A proper and rational development plan of RAJUK could ensure all basic amenities for dwellers in the city, they added.

They called upon the RAJUK to save the city's canals and water bodies from illegal occupation and take suggestions from different stakeholders before finalising the DAP of the city.

They put forward a charter of demands to RAJUK that include initiative to form ' technical committee' and 'DAP Implementation Cell' with the assistance from technical persons and public suggestions for successful completion of DAP and promulgate 'National Urban Planning Act'.