Planning Students’ Convention 2008

Organizing Committee Prof. Dr. Md. Ashraful Alam – Chairman

Mr. A.H.M Mehbub Anwar – Convener
Mr.Md. Ashiq-ur-Rahman – Member

Souvenir Committee
Members:
Faculties
(i) Prof. Dr. Md. Ghulam Murtaza – Chairman
(ii) Prof. Dr. Md. Rezaul karim – Member
(iii) Prof. Akhter Hussain Chaudhury – Member
(iv) Prof. Dr. Md. Ashraful Alam – Member
(v) Prof. Dr. Shamim Mahabubul Haque – Member
(vi) Mr. Md. Ahsanul Kabir – Member
(vii) Mr. A.H.M. Mehbub Anwar – Member

Student Representatives
(i) Riazuddin Kawsar
(ii) Mahumud-uz-Zaman
(iii) Tasfin Aziz Himel
(iv) Salahuddin Ferdaus
(v) Saima Rahman
(viii) Mostafizur Rahman Sujon
(ix) A.N.M. Rashed Hasan
(x) Walliuzzaman Razib
(xi) Dilara Mehrab Arif Chandra
(xii) Salma Ahmed Punom
(xiii) Sadia Afrin

Cover design: Subrota Saha

Published By Urban & Rural Planning Discipline
Bangladesh Institute of Planners
11th May, 2008
Printed at press name (………………………..)
Editorial
Urban & Rural Planning Discipline of Khulna University and Bangladesh Institute
of Planners (BIP) are very pleased to be able to publish the souvenir on the
occasion of Planning Students’ Convention 2008. The main aim of the
convention is to promote a platform for co-operation between the young
students of Planning in Bangladesh, in a spirit of developing Bangladesh in a
planned way. To achieve these the convention will thus provide activities to
foster closer co-operation and better understanding among young students of
urban planning of Bangladesh, particularly by encouraging the exchange of
information; to stimulate mutual aid in the planning arenas for cultural,
educational and social purposes; to encourage the exchange of ideas and
opinions; to improve the relationships among young planning students of
Bangladesh with differing educational institutions; to work together on issues
affecting people and their environment. The theme of Planning Students’
Convention is “Environment & Urban Development” and most of the articles of
this souvenir highlight the theme.
As we wanted participation from everyone in planning profession and focus the
works of URP of Bangladesh University Of Engineering And Technology,
Jahangirnagar University And Khulna University, the souvenir is designed with 6
articles, of which 2 are from Bangladesh University Of Engineering And
Technology, 2 from Jahangirnagar University and the rest 2 from Khulna
University.
The two articles of Bangladesh University Of Engineering And Technology cover
two different issues. One emphasizes on “On site Slum Upgrading program” and
the other on “Buriganga pollution”. The selected articles from Jahangirnagar
University are based on Comprehensive development on Rangamati
Pouroshava and Impact of Increasing Cars Ownership on Peak traffic Volume in
Dhaka. The topics of the articles published from KHULNA UNIVERSITY students
are – (i) Vulnerability of Bangladeshi Cities to Climate Change and Future
Challenges for Urban Planning and Development and (ii) How Do Developing
Countries Participate In Reducing The Vulnerabilities Of Climate Change: Status
Of Cdm In Bangladesh.
It was attempt to share the works and experiences of teachers, students and
experts in planning profession. I sincerely believe and hope that there will be
continued efforts for arranging planning students’ convention in future too.
We would like to express my deep gratitude to Bangladesh Institute of Planners
(BIP), KDA, CDA and other planning organizations for patronizing the program.
Special thanks to the Head of the discipline Prof. Dr. Md. Ashraful Alam, A.H.M
Mehbub Anwar - Convener of Planning Students’ Convention 2008, Ashiq-ur-
Rahman - Co-ordinator of planning Students’ Convention.
Last, but not the least, I would like to thank are also due to all the members of
review committee and students’ representatives, whose co-operation have
been very instrumental to standardize and enrich the publication.
On behalf of the Publication committee
Prof. Dr.Md. Ghulam Murtoza
Chairman.
Background of Urban and Rural Planning Discipline, Khulna University.

Background
Khulna University is the first Public University acting as a powerful player in the
economic and cultural life of the south-western region of Bangladesh. From the
very inception of the academic program in 1991, Khulna University is free from
session jam and all political unrests. Therefore, there prevails a congenial
atmosphere for carrying out cultural activities by the students of the University
with a focus on the uniqueness of south/western region of Bangladesh.
South/western region of Bangladesh is affected by natural hazards, industrial lay
off that are hindering the development process of the region. The young
generations have to think about the causes and consequences of such events
because they are the upcoming workforce of the nation who will lead the
development process.
The Discipline of Urban and Rural Planning (URP) of Khulna University (Home
page: www.kuurp.ac.bd ) has endured last seventeen years and the graduates
from this Discipline have a long story of success which has inspired the exiting
batch of this Discipline. In every year teachers and students arrange Different
types of programmes like seminar, convention, workshop and cultural activities
in quest of roam new horizon which is a blend of education and co-educational
activities. The undergraduate and graduate degree programmes of the
Discipline aim to create planners with comprehensive knowledge in sectoral
and spatial planning to shape, manage, direct and control development at
local, regional and national levels. This is a multidisciplinary Discipline to produce
skilled planners for the country imbued with the most up-to-date and modern
planning techniques.
The degree programs offered are Bachelor of Urban & Rural Planning (BURP)
and Master of Urban & Rural Planning (MURP). Each course, irrespective of the
credit hours attributed to the course is graded in a scale of 4. The major courses
taught at undergraduate and graduate levels cover the following areas of
knowledge:
• Urban Planning and Development
• Housing, Research methodology, Statistics
• Rural Planning
• Transportation Planning and Engineering
• Disaster Studies
• Environmental Studies
• Natural Resources Management
• Urban Economics
• Urban Governance
• Rural Planning and Development
• Geographic Information System (GIS)
• Remote sensing and aerial photo interpretation
• Project Planning and Management
• Legal Aspects
• Urban Design & Conservation
• Public and Local Government Finance
 Environment and Urban Development

Major Professional Research Works Done in the Discipline

• Environmental maps and workbook for Khulna city, Bangladesh
• Environmental risk management action plan for Khulna city, Bangladesh
• Socio-economic baseline study on the impact zone of the Sundarbans
• Link Programmes with Foreign Institutes and Universities (ADPC, DFID)
For publishing scholarly research works and writings on various fields of planning,
development, urbanization and environment, Urban and Rural Planning
Discipline (URPD) of Khulna University has been publishing PLAN PLUS since 2002
For introducing planning in a generalized view the students of Urban and Rural
Planning Discipline (URPD) publishes yearly magazine “Nogor o Nagorik”
The URP discipline has its alumni named KUPA (Khulna University Planners
Alumni). This alumni is for those planners who have received their planning
degree form Khulna University. Total Number of members is 251.

Major activities of the Alumni

• To arrange general meeting
• To celebrate town planning day
Urban & Rural Planning Discipline has earned good reputation for all its co-
curricular activities along with the academic works. The continued efforts of
teachers, graduates and students are always there to enhance the status of this
discipline all over the world.

Planning Students’ Convention, 2008

Impact of Increasing Car Ownership on Peak Traffic Volume in Dhaka: A Case
Study of Dhanmondi Residential Area

Impact of Increasing Car Ownership on Peak Traffic Volume

in Dhaka: A Case Study of Dhanmondi Residential Area

Afsana HaqueMd. Anwarul Kabir

Depertment of Urban and Regional Planning, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka.

Abstract

There are no rules and regulations regarding entrance of private car in Dhaka,
the capital city of Bangladesh. Any body who has money can purchase a car
and start riding taking just a license. As a result, every day there are new cars
entering in the city street making huge jam and increasing sufferings for the
mass people. And everyday citizens of Dhaka are loosing 3-4 hours of our
valuable time causing thousands of corers of taka every year.According to
urban planners, there should have at least 25% area for roads in a city, and
there is only 6-7% area for roads in Dhaka city. And authorities have limited
initiative to expand capacity of road of a city for a population of 15 to 18
million. But every year, more than 10 thousand new cars entering in the city
street. With the axiom that the tonnage on city road, especially an industrial
city grows twice as fast as the economy, the traffic growth has ranged at least
10 percent in each of the past 10 years. The total number of vehicles on the
city road is about 7.5 lakh, at least five times the number it was in 1990. This
study aims to assess the additional trip impact on existing traffic volume
through forecast the additional car ownership in Dhanmondi residential area
(Road 27 to Road 32).

1. Introduction
In a rapidly developing economic environment with rising income,
escalating motorization, and growing urbanization, it is natural to increase
car ownership and usage. Car ownership is one of the most important
factors affecting the individual mobility, especially number of trips, trip
lengths and the modal choice. From different research, car ownership
depends on several individual and household factors, like income,
household size, number of children, number of working family members,
social status and age of family members. Also the residential car parking
availability, car price, registration cost, monthly car usage cost, car
ownership cost, individual accessibility index, network accessibility, zonal
accessibility index, public transport supply and land use affect the car
ownership. Rapid urbanization also causes economic growth. That is why it
is natural to raise people consumption capacity of people for positive
attitudes of car ownership factors, the car ownership is increasing day by
day which creates an adverse impact on the existing traffic volume
 Environment and Urban development

1.1 Objective
The objective of the study is to investigate the existing traffic volume at
different important node of the study area, identify the additional number
of car that will add in future to the existing volume through increase of car
ownership and develop a model to forecast the additional car ownership
in future by analyzing the factor influencing car ownership. At last the
paper makes a general comparison between present and forecasted trip
volume.

1.2 Methodology
The whole study was conducted, based on primary data. The study area
was cordoned and volume of traffic was counted at each entry point for
investigating the existing traffic volume. The study area contains 12
important nodes in which four nodes are generated low intensity of traffic.
During pick hour of a day there is found less weighted traffic flow. So these
nodes were excluded from survey. A checklist was used for tally of traffic
volume and observation method was applied at different peak hour of
the day (such representative hours as-8 am to 10am, 1pm to 3pm and
5pm to 7pm, at 15 minutes interval) and traffic volume was counted for
one hour. Socio-economic information as well as information about the
factor influencing car ownership was identified through questionnaire
survey to forecast the additional car ownership in future. The reference
period for the survey was 15-30th October, 2007.
Data was edited, coded and computerized. Analysis was mostly done
electronically by using SPSS, some tables were done manually. For analysis
the following formulas were used:

1.2.1 Regression Analysis

To forecast additional number of car, multiple regression models has done
considering number of car as a dependent variable and five in
dependent variables:

1. Household income (Tk monthly)

2. Household expenditure pattern
3. Car price ( including vat )
4. Monthly car usage cost
5. First registration cost
6. Residential car parking availability
7. Number of trip per day
8. Distance of trip
9. Purpose of trip
10. Social status
11. Individual accessibility benefit

Planning students’ convention, 2008

Impact of Increasing Car Ownership on Peak Traffic Volume in Dhaka: A Case
Study of Dhanmondi Residential Area

12. Quality of public transport

Among these entire factors or variables household expenditure pattern,

first registration cost, residential car parking availability, distance of trip,
purpose of trip shows no correlation with the no of car ownership. So
remain factors or variables are considered for regression analysis.
We know from multiple regression models,

Y= β0 + β1 x1 + β2 x2 + β3 x3 + β4 x 4+ β5 x5 + β6 x6 + β7 x7 +……………………(
1)
Where, To forecast the growth rate of
Y = Number of car owned by car ownership this method was
household applied.
Β0 = Constant r = (P2/P1)n/2-1
X1 = Household income (Tk Where,
monthly) P1 = P2 = Number of car of two
X2 = Social status years
X 3 = Car price (including vat) n = Number of years apart
X 4 = Monthly car usage cost r = Rate of yearly growth of car
X 5 = Number of trip per day ownership
X 6 = Individual accessibility Pf = Pp (1+ r) n
benefit Where,
X 7 = Quality of public transport Pf = Number of car for forecasted
Geometric Progression Method year
Pp = Number of car for base year

1.2.2 Salient Feature of Study area

Dhanmondi Residential Area is an important place of attraction in Dhaka
for commercial and educational purpose. Every day a huge number of
both internal and external trips are generated here among which car is
the most dominant mode for these trip and it shares a major portion of
total traffic volume although it consists a less PCU (only 1.0). Dhanmondi
Road 27 to Road 32) was chosen as study area because it covers two
major traffic roads: Road no.27 and Mirpur Road.
 Environment and Urban development

Fig 1: Dhanmondi Residential Area

Some common feature of the study area:

• No of households: 1050 (approximately).
• Car ownership: 76 % of the residents has own car, 24 % residents
has no.
• Trip type: Among total trip external 87% and internal 13%
• Distribution of number of trip: 50 % of the household generate 3-4
trips per day,34% of the household generate trips 1-2 and 16% of
them generate more than 5 trips per day.
• Trip purpose: work purposes (42 %), trips for educational purposes
(26 %), visit friends or relatives (6 %), shopping purposes (14 %),
recreational purposes (4 %) and other purposes are (8 %).
• Used mode: car is used as the mode of transport for 67% trip,
Rickshaw for 10%, Bus 11%, Taxi and CNG for 8% and others 4%.
• Average trip per car: 3.64 trip/ day

Intersectio
Intersectio
Intersectio

Intersectio Intersectio
Intersectio Intersectio
Intersectio Intersectio

Intersectio
Intersectio

Intersectio

Planning students’ convention, 2008

Impact of Increasing Car Ownership on Peak Traffic Volume in Dhaka: A Case
Study of Dhanmondi Residential Area

Fig 2: Indicating important intersections within study area

1.2.3 Data presentation and Analysis

This section presents the detailed systematic analysis of all data
assembled to point out the present traffic condition of the study area.
Traffic conditions were analyzed in terms of traffic volume. Thus analysis of
the present traffic condition of the road network of the study area will
help to determine the impact of the future additional trip by forecasted
future car ownership of the area.

Table 1: Average Traffic volume at different node (peak hour)

Node Existing traffic Grand total Car/hr % of Car
volume (%) ( vehicle /hr)
Intersection 1 17.08 6371 3476 54.55
Intersection 2 15.99 5964 3316 55.59
Intersection 3 7.09 2649 788 29.76
Intersection 4 12.99 4849 1851 38.18
Intersection 5 15.9 5931 3330 56.15
Intersection 6 14.79 5520 3069 55.59
Intersection 7 13.9 5186 2832 54.62
Intersection 8 2.23 833 409 60.95
Total 37303 19071 51.35
Source: Field survey, 2007

2. Forecasted Future Traffic Demand

76% of the household have their own car and tendency of car ownership
is increasing day by day for different factors relevant to it. If this continues,
the additional car will cause great difficulties in smooth traffic generation
of the study area because the capacity of different road is limited.

By using equation (1), the average no of existing car per household =

1.149
Study area contains approximately 1050 households (source: primary
survey). So the existing total no of car of the area = 1050*1.149
= 1206 (approx.)
 Environment and Urban development

3. Calculation of Forecasted Additional car for the study area

Considering the situation that, no new site is developed within the study
area. All trips presently attracted to or produced from the study area are
related to the land-use developments that already exist.
Using equation (1), we can forecast the number of additional car the
residents will contain in future. Considering quality of public transport,
social status, no of trip per day and Individual accessibility benefit as
constant variable and household income (Tk monthly), car price
(including vat) and monthly car usage cost as changing variable the
forecasted no of car per household will be,
After 5 years = 1.558
Considering annual growth rate of GDP 5.7%, annual increase of car price
( including tax) 5% and car maintenance cost 5%.
So the forecasted total number of car of the area after 5 years =
1050*1.558
= 1636 (approx.)
So annual growth rate of number of car r =0.063
After 10 years, forecasted total number of car = 2220 (approx.)
After 15 years, forecasted total number of car = 3013 (approx.)

3500

3000

2500

2000

1500

1000

500

0
Present af ter 5 years Af ter 10 Af ter 15
(2012) years (2017) years (2022)

Total No of car Total No of additional car

Fig 3: Representing total number of forecasted car and additional car

So the forecasted no of additional trip for the study area,

After five years, 2012 = 430*3.64 = 1565 (approx.)
After 10 years, 2017 = 584*3.64 = 2126 (approx.)
After 15 years, 2022 = 811*3.64 = 2952 (approx.)
Distribution of additional forecasted trip

Planning students’ convention, 2008

Impact of Increasing Car Ownership on Peak Traffic Volume in Dhaka: A Case
Study of Dhanmondi Residential Area

If these entire forecasted trips tend to generate during peak hour the
traffic volume at different node will be unmanageable which will increase
traffic congestion at a high rate.

Fig.3: Shows existing and forecasted additional traffic flow at different node

Conclusion
The study was conducted to forecast the additional car ownership and
the impact of additional trip generates from these additional cars on
existing traffic condition. The present traffic condition during the peak
hours of the day shows massive traffic congestion at different intersection.
Traffic flow is not only large number during peak hours but also during the
off-peak hours. So when the additional cars will involve, additional trip
from these car will create more traffic congestion in the Study area. This
study covers only Dhanmondi residential area (Road 27 to Road 32). Such
investigation may be made in other important place of attraction to
identify the additional car ownership impact on the surrounding traffic
condition. If this growth rate of car ownership continues it will be very
difficult to provide compatible traffic supply (such as: traffic
management, infrastructure, etc). So affordable public transport with
adequate facility and good quality must be introduced and discourage
more dependency on private car for a congestion free Dhaka.

References

• BBS (1991) Population Census; community series Dhaka District

(Dhaka: Reproduction, Documentation and Publishing Wing, BBS)
 Environment and Urban development

• Kadiyali, L.R. (2004), Traffic Engineering and Transport Planning,

Khanna Publishers, Delhi.
• Kothari C.R. (2005), Research Methodology: Methods &
Techniques, New Age International (P) Limited, Publishers, New
Delhi.
• Sing Gurucharan, (2001), Highway Engineering, Standard Publishers
Distributors, Nai Sarak, Delhi.
• Wright, P. H., and Ashford, N. J., (1989) Transportation engineering
planning and design, 3rd Ed., Wiley, New York.

Planning students’ convention, 2008

 Buriganga Pollution: Reasons & Prospect

Buriganga Pollution: Reasons & Prospects

Avit Kumar Bhowmik

Urban & Regional Planning Discipline,
Bangladesh University of Engineering & Technology

Abstract

The paper represents the extensive study that has been undertaken as the part of
study under the Course ‘Arch 233: Landscape Planning Studio’ on March 2007, at
Level-02 Term-02 as a part of graduation by the students of the department of
Urban & Regional Planning, BUET. The core study was about the Environment &
Ecology of the Keraniganj Upazilla, Dhaka and the main objective was to
investigate the existing scenario and to propose a sustainable Landscape Plan for
Keraniganj to attain an environment friendly and ecologically harmonious situation
in future. At the time of investigating the existing threat to the ecology and
environment of Keraniganj, the water bodies of this agricultural based area was
explored and apparently the pollution of water was ascertained and as the major
reason of this pollution the shocking pollution of the water of the Buriganga River
came into focus. Since, the canals of Keraniganj Upazilla are connected with
Buriganga, the canals are getting polluted too. To comprehend the existing
scenario of pollution of Buriganga detail investigation was undertaken from
secondary sources as well as from field survey. This paper is the presentation of the
alarming pollution and contamination created by the river Buriganga as well as the
major sources of pollution. It is apparent that the major source of pollution of
Buriganga is the Tannery Industry in Hazaribagh, when at the same time several
dying industries at the river bank as well as the medical and dispensary wastes and
solid wastes also produce irreversible hazards to Buriganga and surrounding
environment. The pollution by the Tanneries and health hazards provided by them
has also ben investigated. Several government decisions has been made to revive
the tolerant condition of Buriganga among which the Tannery Shifting to Savar
area and subsidies to the toxic industries for establishing Effluent Treatment Plant
(ETP) can be mentioned but none of these projects have been implemented yet

1. Introduction
The Buriganga River "Old Ganges" is the main river flowing beside Dhaka
city, capital of Bangladesh. Because of the tanneries in the riverbank of
Buriganga and for using the river as dumping ground for the liquid and
solid wastes, the river is now under threat of extinction. The pollution
because of the Tanneries and health hazards provided by them should be
controlled immediately to save Buriganga.
 Environment and Urban Development

2. History of Buriganga
In the distant past, a course of the Ganges river used to reach the Bay of
Bengal through the Dhaleshwari river. This course gradually shifted and
ultimately lost its link with the main channel of the Ganges and was
renamed as the Buriganga. It is said that the water levels during high and
low tides in this river astonished the Mughals.The water tables even is very
astonishing due to pollution of polythenes deposited beneath water. The
materials from breaking of buildings of the river banks also add hazardous
substances in the river.
The course of the Padma has changed considerably during the period
1600 to 2000 AD. It is difficult to trace accurately the various channels
through which it has flowed. The probability is that it flowed past Rampur
Boalia, through Chalan Beel, the Dhaleshwari and Buriganga rivers, past
Dhaka into the Meghna estuary. In the 18th century, the lower course of
the river flowed further south. About the middle of the 19th century the
main volume of the channel flowed through this southern channel which
came to be known as Kirtinasa. Gradually the Padma adopted its present
course.

3. Economic significance of Buriganga

The Buriganga is economically very important to Dhaka. Launches and
Country Boats provide connection to the other parts of Bangladesh, a
largely riverine country. Due to siltation, large steamers can no longer go
through the river channel in the dry season. In 1989, a bridge (the
Bangladesh-China Friendship Bridge) was built over the river for vehicles
and pedestrians. In 2001, a second bridge over the river was built at
Babubazar for vehicles and pedestrians.

4. The Real Scenario of Pollution in Buriganga

If dissolved oxygen in water lessen below 6, it will be impossible for the
aquatic animals and plants to survive. The study in the last January shows
that at 4 among the total 9 points in Buringa, the value of dissolved
oxygen is 0 and at the rest 5, the average value of dissolved oxygen is 1.8.
The Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) also reflects the pollution rate of
water. The capability of water to destroy germs in it signifies the value of
the BOD. The lower the value of the BOD in water, the lower will be the
pollution rate in it. The tolerance limit of BOD in water is 2-6. But the study
by BUET Civil Department in January, 2007 shows that the BOD in
Buriganga at Hazaribag area is 28.

Planning Students’ Convention, 2008

Buriganga Pollution: Reasons & Prospect

The electric conductivity of the water of Buriganga is also higher than the
tolerance limit that represents the presence of solid particles in water with
high concentration.

If the value of pH of water is greater than 7, it represents the basic

characteristics of water which is harmful for skin. The average value of pH
of Buriganga is 12.The value of dissolved chloride is also higher than the
tolerance limit in Buriganga.

Figure 01: Discharge of oil Figure 02: Pollution by mixing of solid waste Figure 03:
Connected Canals
polluting Buriganga
5. Reasons behind Pollution
According to the experts, major reason of the pollution in Buriganga is the
Hazaribag Tanary. The Tannery is 46 years old but no treatment plant has
been introduced yet to neutralize the noxious materials it produces. That’s
why it continuously pollutes the water of Buriganga. The industrial and the
seepage wastes of riverside Textile Mills, Dying and other industries and
Dhaka-Demra-Naraynganj Industrial Zone also pollutes river. The industries
of Kamrangir Char area dump their wastes in Buriganga. Dhaka WASA is in
lack of sufficient recycling plants and dump seepage wastes in river. More
than 5 thousand tons of solid wastes are produced daily from domestic
uses in Dhaka City and 63% of them are dumped in the river. As a result,
Buriganga is now in serious trouble as well as the surrounding environment.
6. Hazaribagh Tannery
Tanneries are the oldest industries in Bangladesh of which 95 percent are
concentrated mainly in Hazaribagh area of Dhaka city (Alam, 1996). It is
also a potentially rich manufacturing sector in terms of both financial
return and social benefits (Rahman, 1997). Manufacturing includes those
activities by which man changes the form of nature of raw materials
(Miller, 1982).
The first tannery industry in Dhaka was established a century ago. Chrome
and bark tanning was practiced successfully, but the factory could not
survive for long. A fresh move for the establishment of tanneries was made
after the partition of the Indian subcontinent. Some large plots were
 Environment and Urban Development

made available to entrepreneurs in 1956. Initially about 20 tanneries were

established, which have now grown to 196.2. The following statistics reflect
current levels of activity:

Table 1: Information about tanneries

Total number of tanneries established 196

Operating for the whole year 53
Ceased operation due to Government ban on wet 47
Operating only a few months of the year (after Eid- 96
Source: Bangladesh Leather, 2004.

Most of the tanneries were built on land either purchased or acquired by

inheritance, mortgage and temporary lease or rented on a monthly basis.
The land covered by these industrial enterprises ranges in size from small
(around 29 decimal), through medium (around 48 decimal) to large
(around 98 decimal). Apart from the tanneries there are two paint
factories, plus 70 manually operated glue factories and one mechanized
glue factory in the industrial area. The Hazaribagh tannery complex and
other industries, primarily the glue and paint industries located in the same
general area, have affected water and air quality in a large poorly
drained area locked behind a 9 meters high flood control embankment
constructed in 1989-1990 in south-west Dhaka City. Up until the time of
embankment construction, the contaminants were washed to the
Buriganga River by annual flooding. At present, the existing sewage
outfalls, the sewage lift operations consisting of 16 pumps and local
residential drains are not adequate to properly and efficiently remove all
the waste products generated by the factories and population of the
affected area. This is partly a maintenance problem but an environmental
problem was created by the discharging of wastewater with excessively
high solids content and a dangerous level of chromium among other
heavy metals and toxic materials.

7. The Toxic Chemicals used in the Tanneries of Hazaribagh

Hazaribagh, an area of 25 hector located on the southern periphery of
Dhaka City, is the nerve center of the entire leather industry of
Bangladesh. There are 17 tanneries owned by Bangladesh Tanneries
Corporation and 131 tanneries owned by private enterprises. About 53
tanneries are operating round the year. Nearly 10,000 people rely directly
on the tanneries for their source of income. These tanneries use two types
of tanning processes are used in manufacturing:Chrome Tanneries: using
Planning Students’ Convention, 2008
Buriganga Pollution: Reasons & Prospect

chromium sulphate, CaO, Na2S, NH4Cl, Oropan bate, NaCl, H2SO4,

chromosal B, soda to produce blue leather.Combined Chrome and
Vegetable Tannery: using NaCl, CaO, NH4Cl, Bate powder, H2SO4,
chromosal B, Soda ash , preventol, hydrobisulphide to produce soft blue
leather. For dying, Nigrosine, violet, COD oil, TRC oil, Pigme-t, black,
glycerine is used. For polishing slug, Casin, Ammonia liquid, Nirtobenzine,
Formaldehide, Soliside are used to produce finished leather. Daily
discharge of wastes from these tanneries is about 18000 liters of liquid
wastes, 115 tones of solid wastes during peak time and 75 tones during off-
peak time. In summer when the rate of decomposition of the waste is
higher, serious air pollution is caused in the whole of Hazaribagh area by
producing intolerable, obnoxious odor. Tannery wastes include liquid
arsenic, soft sodium sulfate, lime, ammonium sulfate, chromium sulfate
and colored pigments. Especially hexavalent chromium is carcinogenic.
The hides absorb only 30% of the chromium while the remaining 70% is
discharged into as effluent. The maximum concentration of chromium in
the Buriganga River is about 4 mg per liter. Liquid wastes are mostly
dumped into the river Buriganga while part of these wastes is trapped
inside the Dhaka Flood Control Embankment. Solid wastes from fleshing
and shaving are dumped on the streets or in and around garbage bins
when available. Currently, local shoemakers use about 90% of the finished
trimming wastes. Fifty percent of the tanneries reuse part of the solid
waste. Health impact from disposal of wastes from the tanneries are either
death or increased probabilities of death and sufferings by illness
including skin diseases, fevers, headaches, respiratory diseases etc. It has
been found that on average the incidence of illness among the people
living in Hazaribagh is 16% higher than the people living in the control
area. Cost of human health impact from the tanneries varies from $26 to
$150 per annum per person. Two options have been proposed to address
the pollution caused by the tanneries in Hazaribagh. One is to relocate
the entire industry from Dhaka to Savar. Another is to provide a suitable
treatment plant for pollution reduction of tannery waste before final
disposal. Stabilization ponds (lagoons) are widely used method of waste
treatment in hot and tropical climates. It is difficult to bear the cost
individually. However, if it is shared by the proportion of production of all
the tanneries, it may become cost-effective (Islam Faisal, Rumi Shammin,
Juhaina Junaid).

8. Tanneries Discharge 21,600 Square Meters of Liquid Wastes Daily

Tanneries in the city's Hazaribagh area discharge some 21,600 square
meters of liquid wastes everyday. "These harmful wastes, including
chromium, lead, sulphur, ammonium, salt and other materials, are
 Environment and Urban Development

severely polluting the capital city and the river Buriganga," State Minister
for Environment and Forest Jafrul Islam Chowdhury said this while he was

Pollutant Sources Health effects

visiting the Hazaribagh industrial area yesterday(UNB, November 2003).

9. Pollution
The major pollution aspects of Hazaribagh are tannery wastewater, solid
wastes, sludge, bad odor, narrow zigzag roads and lanes/bilanes,
unplanned drainage system, over flow of drains, stack of garbage from
tannery and municipal by the side of road, transportation of raw and semi
processed hides, unplanned construction of residential buildings, slum
dwellings, densely populated area etc. It is to be noted that a total of
about more than 15 thousand cubic meter liquid tannery waste is
discharged everyday from the Hazaribagh area (Ahmed, 2005). At
present wastes can’t be discharged into the River Buriganga due to
obstruction created by Dhaka flood control embankment. As a result it
seeps through the embankment and wastes accumulate in the low land
lying between Hazaribagh and Dhaka embankment (western by pass).
This causes inconvenience for the local community and passer by. The
pollution rate is most terrible in the North Gajmahal and Sonatangor in the
study area. The condition of Moneshwor West, Gajmahal and Hazaribagh
Road are better than the previous two. But the pollution rate is not severe
in Jigatola, Moneshwor East, Tallabagh, Ganaktuli Lane and Jigatola
Govt. Quarter as like the other zones of the study area. Common
pollutants released from the tanneries with their proper sources and
associated health effects are illustrated below by a table

Table 2: Common pollutants, their sources and associated health effects

on human

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Buriganga Pollution: Reasons & Prospect

1. Salt, Dust, Hair, Soot
Fleshing, Dehairing, Can cause cancer, aggravates
Soaking, Washing respiratory and heart diseases, is
process. toxic at high level causes coughing,
irritates throat and causes chest
discomfort.

2. Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) Decomposition wastes, Has pleasant odor, nausea, irritates
Liming, Pickling. and throat, if toxic at high level.

3. Chromium (Cr) Chrome tanning. Mainly effect on skin and respiratory

system, including mucous
membrane irritation, sensitization,
erosion, dermatitis and chrome
ulceration, can also cause cancer.

4. Ammonia Mainly deliming, Bating. Inflame upper respiratory passages.

5. Sulfuric Acid Pickling process, Aggravates respiratory diseases,

Chrome tanning. impairs breathing, irritates eyes and
respiratory tract.

6. Arsine (Arsenic) Tanning process. Breakdown red cells in blood,

damage kidneys, causes jaundice.

7. Nitrogen Oxides Tanning, Polishing, Aggravates respiratory and heart

Finishing. diseases, irritates lungs, injures
respiratory systems.

8. Nitric Acid -Do- Same as Nitrogen oxides.

Source: 1. Miller (1982), 2. WHO (1972), 3. Encyclopedia of Ecology, Environment Pollution

Control.

For this toxic discharge of tannery industries different components of

environment such as soil, air, water are being contaminated. But the
contamination level is not equal in all the surrounding zones.

10. Health Hazards

A house-to-house survey was made
of 200 randomly selected households
 Environment and Urban Development

to determine the types and numbers of health problems that exist in the
Hazaribagh area at present. The present illness and disease levels were
compared with previous periods. The survey revealed that a
number of health problems were particularly prevalent. These
include diseases that may or may not be related to the tannery
waste disposal problem although the tannery industry is highly
suspect. The diseases are listed in the order of the highest number
of households affected in the sample group, during the preceding
ten years. Public health concerns in this area are serious. Levels of
various diseases are high compared to other parts of Dhaka City.
This study concludes that the toxic discharge from factories in
Hazaribagh had worsened the quality of life in the area and may
have a serious affect on public health, although that affect has not
been pinpointed. Although many toxic chemicals are used in the
tannery, paint and glue factories operating in this area, one of the
most serious threats is related to high chromium levels in tannery
effluent which far exceed the maximum pollutant levels allowable
for chromium as determined by environmental protection agencies
in Asia (see table XXXVIII.2). Therefore, the chromium issue was
focused on in this study.
Table3: Percentage of households suffering from various diseases

Disease Per cent of Households

Abdominal discomfort 100
Fever 90
Conjunctivitis 80
Scabies and skin ulcers 75
Diarrhoeal diseases 57
Dermatitis 32
Asthma 19
Respiratory/lung diseases 15
Other 100
Source : Field Survey, 2007

The area does not have a functioning sewage disposal system or an

operating sewage treatment plant. The local sewage lift operation had
ceased due to technical problems at the time the Bangladesh survey was
made. Its present status is unknown. Roadside drains and waterways as
well as factory ponds, low-lying swampy land and stagnant ponds next to
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Buriganga Pollution: Reasons & Prospect

the embankment were all seriously contaminated at the time the

Bangladesh report was submitted to the United Nations. Channels and
drains are frequently plugged resulting in the spillage of contaminated
water into nearby residential areas and the flooding of low-lying land with
sewage.

11. Proposals
11.1 Protection from the pollution of Buriganga
The revival of Buriganga is not so easy. There is no effective manual
process to purify the water, it’s a natural process. We have to take some
vital steps so that no more toxic materials can be added to the water. For
that reason:
¾ Each and every industry on the bank of Buriganga or the industries
which use the river for their sewerage purpose must be provided
with Effluent Treatment Plan(ETP) and relocation should be
undertaken if necessary.
¾ To protect the connected Khals of Keraniganj, Water Treatment
Plant Should be introduced at each connection point of the khals
and Buriganga River.

11.2 Steps Taken by Government

11.2.1Relocation of the Hazaribag tanary
‰ In 1993-1993 GOB has taken decision to relocate it a suitable
position.
The Hazaribagh Tannery Relocation Project (HTRP) worth over Tk
1.75 billion is
likely to be completed by the end of this year.
‰ The HTRP was undertaken by the Industries Ministry in 2003 to save
the capital city and the Buriganga River from toxic pollution.
‰ The government is bearing the entire cost of the project from its
own coffer while Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries
Corporation (BSCIC) is implementing this project at Kantiboilapur,
Chandranarayanpur and Charnarayanpur in Savar .
‰ Sources said the project was made following the guideline
prepared and submitted by experts of the United Nations Industrial
Development Organisation (UNIDO) in 1996.
‰ Under the project, all tannery industries will be relocated to Savar
from the city's Hazaribagh area and waste treatment plants will be
set up to save the environment from further pollution.
 Environment and Urban Development

There is a plan to import water from the river Jamuna to increase the flow
of water in the surrounding rivers in Dhaka City. The projected cost is tk850
crore.

In 2005, plan of plantation by the riverside was taken by government.

In 2004, Dhaka WASA undertook the project of repairing 150km seepage

line.

In 2005, a project of modernizing & increasing the capacity of the Pagla

Recycling Plant with sanction of 250km new seepage line was
undertaken.

Under the project of North Dhaka Expansion, project of sanction of three

new recycler plants with adequate sewerage line was undertaken.

Dhaka City Corporation will implement the project of sanctioning 4 new

“Garbage Dumping Yards” and the cost will be tk 510 crore.

As the tanary will be transferred at the northwest part of keraniganj, a

integrated buffer of a khal and forest will be produced to protect the
entire settlement and agricultural field.

12. Savar Tannery Complex to be Ready by This Year

The Hazaribagh Tannery Relocation Project (HTRP) worth over Tk 1.75
billion is likely to be completed by the end of this year. The HTRP was
undertaken by the Industries Ministry in 2003 to save the capital city and
the Buriganga River from toxic pollution. The government is bearing the
entire cost of the project from its own coffer while Bangladesh Small and
Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC) is implementing this project at
Kantiboilapur, Chandranarayanpur and Charnarayanpur in Savar. "We
have already completed 70 per cent work of the project. After the
completion of the earth filling work within a couple of months, we will start
installing water and power lines", said a BSCIC official. To implement the
project, the BSCIC acquired 200 acres of land in Savar and started
development of the land at the beginning of this year. Of the total
amount, Tk 1.0 billion was earmarked for development of land and other
facilities for the tannery industries, while Tk 700 million for setting up the
waste treatment plants and other works. "The project has been
undertaken at the directive of the Prime Minister, who expressed her
concern on different occasions over the adverse impact of tannery
industries, which are increasingly polluting the river Buriganga and the
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Buriganga Pollution: Reasons & Prospect

urban environment," said the official. Hazaribagh is home to almost 200

tanneries, which produce several thousand tonnes of toxic wastes and
industrial effluents daily, causing environmental pollution and exposing the
city population to great public health risks. While taking to the FE the
BSCIC official said a total of 195 industrial plots will be developed on 145
acres of land and the remaining 55 acres will be used for construction of
roads, BSCIC offices, hospital, and mosque. BSCIC will develop four types
of industrial plots -- A, B, C and S. Under 'A' category, some 26 plots will be
developed with each having 80,000 square feet each at a cost of Tk
7,144,000. There will be some 39 'B' category plots having 40,000 square
feet each at Tk 3,572,000. Under 'C' category, some 114 industrial plots will
be developed, 20,000 square feet each at a cost of Tk 1,780,000. Once
the project is completed, it will have a production capacity of 74,000
tonnes of leather goods annually. Sources said the project was made
following the guideline prepared and submitted by experts of the United
Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) in 1996. Under the
project, all tannery industries will be relocated to Savar from the city's
Hazaribagh area and waste treatment plants will be set up to save the
environment from further pollution. A three-member UNIDO team visited
Bangladesh in November 1996, to see the overall situation of industrial
waste treatment and management. They visited Hazaribagh tannery
industries, the Buriganga River and exchanged views with the people
concerned, including government officials about the possible solution to
the problem. In its report, the UNIDO suggested the government to take
up a plan for pollution control and treatment of tannery effluents at
Hazaribagh. Other UNIDO suggestions included installation of Chromium
Recovery and Reuse Unit (CRRU) at each tannery and setting up of a
Central Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP) (The Financial Express, May 28,
2005)
.

13. Further Scope of the Study

The study has some further scopes for future studies:

9 The impact of relocation of the Hazaribag Tanneries to Savar area

on Buringa.
9 The reviving process of Buriganga.
9 Improving the water quality of Buriganga.

14. Conclusion
 Environment and Urban Development

The pollution rate in Buriganga is such an alarming phenomenon it’s now

become a threat to the survival of Dhaka City. Proper Steps should be
taken immediately to salt away Buringanga as well as its surrounding for
the sustainable development of Dhaka.

Planning Students’ Convention, 2008

Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP): A Field Study on Rangamati Pourashava

Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP): A Field Study on

Rangamati Pourashava
Md. Maksudur Rahman, Rifat Tabassum, Md. Mostak Ahmed,
Md. Mehedi Hasan, Sania Sifat Miti, Shamima Aktar
Depertment of Urban and Regional Planning, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka-1342.

Abstract

The CDP is a mid-term plan in five sectors i.e. social, economic, physical,
environment and institution. CDP is not the usual type of planning which
have been practiced many years such as Structure Plan, Detail Area
Plan, Master Plan etc. Rangamati is a hilly area and there are numerous
obstacles for development such as conflict between tribal and non tribal
groups, low income, inadequate physical infrastructure, environmental
pollution and degradation, lack of coordination among agencies etc. All
these problems are taken into account while preparing this CDP. The
issues and concerns, potential of development and constraints of
development of this area are described considering the geographical
location and topographical condition of surrounding area. Some
programs and project are considered to solve the emerging problems of
this area. This is hoped that proposed CDP will contribute as a starting
development plan for further practice in different urban areas.

1. Introduction
Many municipalities and City Corporations have taken many types of plan like
master plan, strategic plan, structure plan, etc. These plans require long time to
be implemented. Moreover, those plans normally focus on some issues
separately. As the growth of city areas of Bangladesh is more fast and dynamic
in nature, the validity and reliability of those plans more or less lose after 10 to 15
years. The concept of Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP) is new in
Bangladesh and the practice of it has not initiated yet. CDP considers all
aspects of development such as social, economic, physical, environment and
institutional. However, CDP is a mid-term (3-5 years) strategy and can easily
cope with the changes of various sectors (Rahman, 2005). In the socio-
economic and political context of Bangladesh, CDP can be an appropriate
planning concept for effective development. In this context the planning team
formulates a CDP for Rangamati Municipality.
The following policies and principles govern this Comprehensive Development
Plan of Rangamati Pourashava: Sustainable Development, Local Agenda 21,
Bangladesh Millennium Development Goals (BMDGs) 2015, Tourism for Poverty
Reduction National Agricultural Policy 1999, Social Safety Net Programmes,
National Strategy for accelerated poverty Reduction. Section 127 of the
 Environment and Urban Development

Pourashava Ordinance, 1977 mandated the Pourashavas to prepare and

implement development plans for such period and in such manner as may be
specified. Rangamati Pourashava Office shall integrate and coordinate all
sectoral plans and studies undertaken by the different functional groups or
agencies. They shall also formulate integrated economics, social, physical, and
other development plans and policies. Regional analysis process aims to do a
comprehensive assessment of the region. Several methods and tools were
applied in the analysis process, such as—Internal Analysis Matrix, Relation Map,
Problem Tree, and Potential Matrix (SPRING Planners, 2004).

1.1. Study Area

Fig-1: Rangamati Pourashava,
From Chittagong a 77 km road
Chittagong
amidst green fields and winding hills
surrounding Rangamati municipality,
the headquarter of Rangamati Hill
District which is a wonderful
repository of scenic splendours with
flora and fauna of varied
descriptions. The township is located
on the western bank of the Kaptai
lake. Rangamati is a favourite
holiday resort because of its
beautiful landscape, scenic beauty,
lake, colourful tribes (Chakma,
Marma etc.), its flora and fauna,
tribal museum, hanging bridge,
homespun textile products, ivory
jewellery and the tribal men and Source: Rangamati Pourashava, Rangamati, 2007.
women who fashion them. For
tourists the attractions of Rangamati are numerous, tribal life, fishing, speed boat
cruising, water skiing, hiking, bathing or merely enjoying nature as it is
(Banglapedia, 2004).Rangamati district is administered by the Chittagong Hill
Tracts Manual 1900. Though this manual is not yet been repealed but massive
changes and reconstruction in the administrative frame work has been done to
meet the need of the time. Local Government Council was established by the
Act of 19 in 1989, by which 22 Government departments were transferred to
them. For the special situation armed forces was deployed here from 1976. They
are working here to maintain security in this region. Rangamati municipality
consists of 9 wards and 35 mahallas. The area of the town is 64.75 sq km. The
town has a population of 74108; male 57.68%, female 42.32%; Muslim 37.80%,
Hindu 12.27%, Buddhist 49.25%, and others 0.68%. Density of population is 1008
per sq km. Literacy rate among the town people is 60.8% (Banglapedia, 2004).

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Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP): A Field Study on Rangamati Pourashava

1.2. Methodology
In order to facilitate a cohesive and coordinated process, a common
procedure has been adopted by all sectoral groups in the formulation of the
CDP (SPRING Planners, 2004). A workshop was conducted on July, 2007 at
Rangamati D.C. office where attendants of various group expressed their views
about the problems and potentials of this Pourashava. At each stage of the
planning process the entire team convened to track the progress of all groups
and to ensure consistency across each segment of the comprehensive plan.
Interest Groups Analysis: The tool of internal analysis was used to analyze the
interest groups of the municipality. The criteria for selection of the interest groups
were quantity or significant number in the municipality, resource contribution,
degree of contribution or threat to regional development, vulnerability, and
existing development policies. The interest, conflict, problems and potentials of
various interest groups were identified. Implication of each interest group was
recognized that were further considered in formulating development programs
(SPRING Planners, 2004).

Problem Analysis: An important step in the analysis phase of the CDP formulation
involves the identification of significant problems in the municipality and
determination of their interrelationships (SPRING Planners, 2004).

Potential Analysis: Potential Matrix was developed to derive the suitable

potentials that must be utilized properly to attain the desired development goal
(SPRING Planners, 2004).

2. Social Development Plan

According to the 1995 United Nations' World Summit for Social Development,
"the ultimate goal of social development is to improve and enhance the quality
of life of all people." Social development, deals with translations of the statistical
number of the population into social indicators as ratio of social service
infrastructure, provider to the population and the generated rates or trends
(population growth rate). From the data generated from demographic profile,
social problems are identified, potential resources are determined and
strategies are developed (SPRING Planners, 2004).
Social development indicators are: i) Education indicators; ii) Health indicators;
and iii) Protection and Safety indicators. Literacy rate, formal education
performance rate, Student enrollment, the ratio of teachers to the school-age
population. The ratio of the hospital beds and health facilities to the population,
the ratio of doctor to household. Ratio of the existing facilities to the population,
ratio of to the human resource to the population.

2.1. Goals, objectives and policy strategies

To Promote an integrated social development by promoting democracy,
human dignity, social justice, solidarity and to empower local human resources
 Environment and Urban Development

by improving access to development opportunities, providing minimum basic

needs and enhancing delivery of social basic services in order to alleviate
poverty and promote the equitable distribution of income and greater access
to resources through equity and equality of opportunity and balance of rights
for all people (both tribal and non-tribal). To achieve the social development
goals the objectives were fixed as (i) Strengthen a comprehensive development
program in health and social welfare, sports and recreation, crime prevention,
culture and arts, safety and protection; (ii) Provide sufficient social services and
reduce pressure on social services and access of all people to quality social
services and provide efficient co-ordination among different social
organizations and local administration in order to improve institutional support in
social services; (iii) Reduce the dropout rate in schools and provision of training
programs; and (iv) Mitigate the conflicts between tribal non-tribal people and
control population growth. Movement towards these goals should be guided by
the principles of equity, access, participation and cohesion.
To fulfill the goals and objectives the major development programs that have
been taken in this comprehensive development plan are: i) Social Development
Programs; ii) Education Development Program; iii) Comprehensive Training and
Scholarship Program; iv) Comprehensive Health Program; v) Comprehensive
social Welfare Program; and v) Sports and Recreation Development Program.
Among the mentioned programmes, two prioritized programmes are: i)
Integrated Community Health Services Program; and ii) Comprehensive social
Welfare Program.
3. Economic Development Plan
3.1. Economic issues and concern
This part shall be concerned with the productive activities that will increase the
income base of the people and the sustainable improvement of economic
opportunities available of Rangamati Pourashava. The sector plan shall tackle
issues pertaining to employment generation and food production. Food
production shall be tackled in two ways – both by increasing the ability of the
area to produce its own food and by increasing the power of the people to
purchase their food requirements (SPRING Planners, 2004).

3.1.1. Agriculture
Agriculture is one of the significant sources of employment for Rangamati
Pourashava. Almost 4.5% of the total labor force of the Pourashava is engaged
in agriculture related activities (BBS, 2001). Agriculture includes the rice
production, livestock and poultry production and fishery production. The
amount of unproductive land in this area is too much (about 97%). The provision
of horticulture is high as there is a scarcity of plain agricultural land. But the
farmers are not getting the expected market price of their product due to
underdeveloped transport and communication system and middle men. The
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Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP): A Field Study on Rangamati Pourashava

control of army over the area also hinders the agricultural development. The
Pourashava having hilly landscape has a greater potentiality to produce fruits
and other cash crop which will eventually give feedback to local economy and
employment generation. As large amounts of grazing fields are available in this
area, there is a huge potentiality of livestock development. Fishing is one of the
major activities in Rangamati. It is surrounded by Kaptai Lake. Total area of
Kaptai Reservoir is 68,000 hector (ADB, 2001). Data from ADB 2001 and BBS 2005
reveals that in the year 2009-2010 a total of 5640 metric ton fish would be
produced from kaptai lake excluding the local consumption. Taking tk 80 per kg
of fish as an average price, the total annual turn over of Kaptai Lake fisheries
resources is about tk 1.2 billion.

3.1.2. Business enterprises

Small and Medium Enterprises has a great potentiality in Rangamati
Pourashava, however, the key constraints to SME growth are lack of
entrepreneurial motivation, lack of infrastructural facilities, and inaccessibility to
the markets of the other regions, unfavorable business environment, and lack of
capital assistance for start-up business. About 14.25% of working class
population engages in entrepreneurial activities (BBS, 2005). There are 2618
enterprises/shops operating in Rangamati Pourashava. However, 6.28% are
engaged in industry sub-sectors such as: processing and production. Retail and
trade are predominant with 87.96 % (ADB, 2001). Hence, priority should be given
to the manufacturing, processing and production sectors, which contribute to
industrial growth in Rangamati Pourashava.

3.1.3. Tourism
Rangamati should be a popular tourist spot of Bangladesh due to its scenic
beauty and cultural ethnicity. But in the conflict period this area was devoid of
tourist mainly because of safety problem. After the Peace Treaty, it is expected
a tourist boom in this area. So it is high time to make a comprehensive
development plan for tourism sector development Tourists can play a vital part
in regional economy by injecting money flow.
3.2. Goals, objectives and policy strategies
The economic sector of Rangamati Pourashava for the next three years shall be
geared towards competitive, progressive and environment-friendly agro-based
and eco-tourism activities. The major goals of Comprehensive Development
Plan of Rangamati Pourashava are as follows: i) Encourage an integrated and
sustainable agriculture; ii) Create a favorable economic environment to attract
more investment; iii) Strengthen intra and inter regional trade linkage; iv)
Develop awareness of wise-management of natural resources; and v) Develop
tourism potentials and services. To achieve these goals the objectives are: i)
Improve productivity and profitability of farmers; ii) Provide the livestock farmers
accessibility to services and support; iii) Meet the food requirements of the
 Environment and Urban Development

locality as far as possible; iv) Promote the growth of commercial activities; v)

Encourage entrepreneurial skills and enhance business knowledge; vi) Provide
employment opportunities through expansion of economic activities; and vii)
Enhance tourism attractiveness of the area and be established as a tourism
destination. To fulfill the goals and objectives the major development programs
that has been taken in this comprehensive development plan are as follows,
i)Rice Production Enhancement Program; ii) Diversification of Agriculture
Products Program; iii) Training program for Added value for Agro-product; iv)
Livestock and Poultry Enhancement Program; v) Fisheries Enhancement
Program; vi) Institutional and Financial Support Programs; vii) Enterprise
Development Program; viii) Market Information and Product Marketing Support
Programs; ix) Eco-tourism Development Program.

4. Physical Development Plan

As Rangamati Pourashava is situated on the hilly area, the existing
geographical, climate and natural situation of this area are taken into account
in finding the potentials of the physical infrastructure sectors. The road pattern of
this Pourashava is undulated and curved. Different types of distributor and
collector road from different spots are linked with this road. Road networks are
playing dual role, as road and drainage system. Maximum available vehicle
runs on this road is Auto-rickshaw (LGED, 2007).The municipality is served by
piped water systems, tube-well and ring-well, which provide water supply to
households, industries, commercial users, etc. The core area has the facility of
piped water system and the fringe area is provided with ring well (LGED, 2007).
Department of Public Health Engineering (DPHE) is a potential water service
institution for the region to promote, develop, finance and supervise water
supply and distribution system and thereby enhance potable water supply
distribution to households. Power Development Board (PDB) is the responsible
authority related in connection and distribution of electricity in this area. Daily
demand of electricity in this area is 96.5 kwh. Communication facilities are in
bad condition in this area. There are sufficient social infrastructures but they are
in deteriorating condition (Rangamati Pourashava, 2007).

4.1. Physical development constraints

Without removing the constraints the achievement of proper and sustainable
development is impossible. These include management related constraints,
transportation related constraints (e.g. Bad road condition, poor transport
service), water supply related constraints (e.g. poor maintenance and
insufficient water distribution system, poor drainage), power related constraints
(e.g. high cost of electricity and high number of households without power,
unreliable power supply), poor quality/maintenance of social infrastructures,
inadequate communication system, and scattered houses.
Planning Students’ Convention, 2008
Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP): A Field Study on Rangamati Pourashava

4.2. Goals, objectives and policy strategies

The goal of the CDP is to improve basic infrastructure to pace agriculture and
tourism industry and provide basic services to the citizen of this Pourashava. The
provision of basic infrastructure should be implemented to promote a more
spatial balanced development within the Pourashava. The following objectives
are set to achieve the goal: i) Upgrade the transport system of the Pourashava;
ii) Improve water distribution and supply system for drinking; ii) Provide reliable,
affordable and stable power supply; iii) Upgrade the communication system;
and iv) Improve the structural quality of basic social infrastructures. The
strategies need to be implemented for achieving the goals and objectives are-
improve transportation facilities/ services, promote private sector participation,
enhance the development of water sources, Provide infrastructure support for
the expansion of water supply network, and modernize systems and facilities.
Facilitate the issuance of necessary permits to telecommunication network to
operate in the locality, Expand the coverage of communication facilities,
regularly upgrade the communication facilities to keep abreast with
technological advancements. Enhance involvement of the private sector in the
construction, ownership, rehabilitation, maintenance and operation of energy
facilities, regular monitoring of the power supply line. Enhance involvement of
the private sector in the construction, ownership, rehabilitation, maintenance
and operation of energy facilities, regular monitoring of the power supply line.
The sectoral programs needed for the achievement of objectives are-
Transportation Program, under this program Road Maintenance Project, Road
Improvement Project, Promoting Public Transport Service Project will be taken.
There is also need to improve communication facilities. For the establishment of
network under Communication Program, Responsibilities should be given to
private phone companies like Grameen Phone, Orascom ltd. etc. Besides these,
Solid Waste and Sewerage Program, Social Infrastructure Program will also be
taken. On the basis of the criteria, the three prioritized programs are:
Transportation program, Power Supply program, and Water supply and
drainage program.

5. Environmental Management Plan

Natural resources (soil, timber, oil, minerals, and other goods taken more or less
from the earth) are natural capital converted to commodity inputs to
infrastructural capital processes. The dependency on nature is the main cause
for the reduction of the natural resources of Rangamati as well as Bangladesh.
Continuous increasing dependency on natural resources and the misuse of
resources should be stopped. As incentive, an Environmental Management Plan
for Rangamati is tried to create in this CDP to manage the existing natural
resources and for its further development. Rangamati has a great potential in
the field of land, inland water and forest resources, environment friendly
 Environment and Urban Development

tourism, hill based agricultural activities, presence of government organization,

presence of non-government organization, law enforcement etc. and it’s
problem includes absence of sewerage system, water pollution, scattered &
jam-packed settlement, hill cutting, lack of awareness, unplanned infrastructure,
lack of initiatives of municipality, insufficient solid waste management,
unplanned tourism, water logging, resettlement of unauthorized dwellings,
improper drainage system etc.
For the Environmental Management Plan, four determined development goals
are: i) a clean and sound environment that raises the quality of life; ii) better
environmental management for sustainable development; iii) an environment
that is suitable for eco-tourism and iv) Enhanced participation of local
stakeholders. The identified objectives to fulfill these goals are: i) Protect the
remaining forest stands; ii) Reforest denuded areas; iii) Ensure quality and
desirable water level in Kaptai Lake; iv) Develop an effective and efficient
sewerage system and Improve participation of local citizens, civil society, and
private sectors in addressing environmental problems and their probable
solutions. To achieve the goals and objectives referred programs and their sub
programs are: i) Reforestation/tree plantation program; ii)Protection of the
existing forest; iii) Community-based forest management (CBFM) programs; iv)
Community-based lake management program; v) Sewerage system
establishment and management program; vi) Extension of solid waste
management; vii) Education & training program; and viii) Public awareness
program. The implementing agencies of these programs are: Forest
Department, Municipality, NGOs’ and Community. Based on some pre-defined
criteria, three programs are prioritized and ranked hierarchically as: i) Sewerage
system establishment and management program; ii) Community-Based Lake
Management Program; and iii) Public awareness Program. The continuity and
coordination of all these programs are essential in the protection and
conservation of the natural resources of the Rangamati Municipality.

6. Institutional Development Plan

Institutional development means the strong hierarchy of financing and
budgeting system, appropriate allocation of public welfare expenditure by the
authority (SPRING Planners, 2004). So, the institutional development of
Rangamati Pourashava is presented here by the tax system.

6.1. Institutional issues and concerns

6.1.1. Main feature of tax system of Rangamati
There is a duel tax system existing in Rangamati Pourashava. Mainly the
development of Rangamati takes place by Pourashava. Several institutes
include for development and these are Public Health Engineering Department,
Bazaar Fund or Committee, Local Government Units, Power Development

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Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP): A Field Study on Rangamati Pourashava

Department and Chittagong Hill Tracts Development Board. But Pourashava

and Bazaar Fund is the major institution to collect Tax. There is lack of co-
ordination in duel tax system.
6.1.2. Pourashava
Pourashava is the authority to develop the city by the collection of tax,
different fees and revenue income of various local sources. But the Government
allotment in annual sectoral development plays the main role for development.
Different international organization as UNDP, ADP works for development by the
Pourashava of Rangamati. Pourashava collects Tax from the sectors of
Preservation, Lighting, Cinema, Construction, Road and water transport,
Housing, Business, Export and import goods carrying vehicle, Waste disposal,
Picnic transport etc.

6.1.3. Bazaar fund

Before the starting of Pourashava activities, Bazaar Fund conducted the
activities of city development and fill up the citizen requirements. At present it
provides facility for require by land settlement. The Main resources of the fund
are the proceeds of all revenues from land leased to shop-keepers others within
the area of a bazaar, the income from hats and bazaars under the control of
the fund, rest-house fees, boat taxes, floating trader’s tax, Grazing tax,
miscellaneous receipts pertaining to the fund.

6.2. Goals, objectives and policy strategies

The goal is to provide an efficient administration, which is transparent,
dedicated, promises good governance, with clear coordinating mechanism as
instrument for delivering basic needs and quality services, with a mandate of
promoting the economic viability of the Pourashava taking into consideration
the traditional culture of the people and the environmental sustainability. The
identified objectives to fulfill these goals are: i) Reduce excessive dependence
on IRA (Internal Revenue Allotment); ii) Ensure effective participation of private
investors; iii) Increase efficiency of local revenue and mobilize revenue sources;
iv) Assess existing taxation sources and formulate effective tax collection
measures; v) Increase Local government personnel efficiency through capacity
building measures; vi) Create self-employment opportunity to absorb growing
job demand; and vii) Ensure effective participation of Local government with
NGOs, POs and civil society towards attaining development goals of the
Pourashava. Based on some pre-defined criteria, five programs are prioritized
and ranked hierarchically. These programs can be implemented within the first
three years of the planning period; i) Awareness program on self employment
activities to specific target groups; ii) Program for regular updating database; iii)
Entrepreneurship development program and management development
program; iv) Program on Monitoring and Evaluation for efficient implementation
of programs and projects; and v) Program on Research and Development.
 Environment and Urban Development

7. Summary & Conclusion

Social development, deals with translations of the statistical number of the
population into social indicators as ratio of social service infrastructure, provider
to the population and the generated rates or trends. Economic development
plan concerned with the productive activities that will increase the income
base of the people of Rangamati Pourashava. Physical development plan the
CDP is to improve basic infrastructure to pace agriculture and tourism industry
and provide basic services to the citizen of this Pourashava. The dependency
on nature is the main cause for the reduction of the natural resources of
Rangamati as well as Bangladesh. Institution is to provide an efficient
administration, which is transparent, dedicated, promises good governance,
with clear coordinating mechanism as instrument for delivering basic needs and
quality services. The prioritized programs for each sector of this comprehensive
development plan identified for each sector are vital to the realization of
sectoral and overall goals. Time and resource limitations might constrain their
execution during program implementation. There are various sectors or interest
groups exist within the region. All these sectors have different kind of relationship
with other sectors. All sectors have their own sets of problems, interests and
potentials (SPRING Planners, 2004). Therefore, this is not the end of the planning
process, as it is a continuous cycle of planning, implementation, monitoring and
evaluation.

References

Asian Development Bank, 2001, Technical Assistant Report: Chittagong Hill

Tract Development, Asian Development Bank, Bangladesh.
Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (2001). Statistical Year Book of Bangladesh
2001.
Banglapedia. (2004). National Encyclopedia of Bangladesh, Multimedia
version, First edition. Dhaka: Asiatic Socieity of Bangladesh.
LGED (local government and engineering department), 2007. Rangamati
Pourashava Rangamati.
Rahman, M.S.U. (2005). The SPRING Approach for Regional Development
Planning and Management, Jahangirnagar Planning Review,
Jahangirnagar University, Vol.3, pp.61-76.
SPRING Planners. (2004). Siquijor Provincial Comprehensive Development
Plan (CDP) 2005-2007. Phillipines: Provincial Government of Siquijor, Siquijor
Province.
The Pourashava Ordinance.1977. Ordinance no. 16 of 1977, Ministry of Law,
Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Government of Bangladesh.
UN, 1992, Agenda 21: Report of the United Nations Conference on
Environment and Development, UN, Rio de Janeiro, 3-14 June 1992.
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Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP): A Field Study on Rangamati Pourashava