Environmental Health Issues in Dhaka City

Running head: DHAKA CITY 1
DHAKA CITY
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Report on the current and actual environmental health issues in Dhaka city
Abstract
The fast growth of Dhaka city started in the year 1971 and is considered as the most
prosperous city in the subcontinent of India. Due to the high population in the area, Dhaka city
encounters several environmental problems. This paper discusses the nature and extent of the
ecological problem associated with traffic congestion, water, air and noise in Dhaka city. It also
looks at the policies projects or plans aspects that help in managing the environmental health
issues that make the situation in the city worse.

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Introduction
The report outlines the detailed information concerning environmental health issues of
Dhaka city, both in the current and actual state. Dhaka city is experiencing extreme health
challenges that place it in a critical condition. It is among most populated cities worldwide hence
experiencing rapid growth. Some of this issues include urbanization, which is among the
foremost trends impacting health. Therefore the rapid growth of this city is a significant
challenge to the country. Factors influencing Dhaka city include emergency services and health
management, built environment, change in climate, food security, urban governance and
population characteristics (1).
Statistics
Country name People's Republic of Bangladesh
City name Dhaka city
Urban population percentage 34.3% (2015)
Population 18 plus million
Geography and Population Characteristics
Dhaka city is acknowledged as one of the major cities in Asia (southern part) and the
largest in the eastern part of Asia. Dhaka city is bounded by a River known as shitalakshya
Buriganga, Turag, and Dheleshwari. This capital accumulates a considerable percentage of the
population making it a known densely populated city in the world holding at least eighteen
million people. It is located in an eponymous division and district. Dhaka is the political and

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economic cultural center of Bangladesh. However, Bangladesh shows considerable success in
line with the challenge of health and development (5).
Topography of Dhaka city
Natural Environment and Hazardous Factors
Dhaka city lies close to Ganges delta covering square kilometers of 306. 38. The land of
Dhaka is characterized by moist soil and tropical vegetation, it is level and nearby the sea level.
Consequently, this places Dhaka city in a critical condition since it is susceptible to floods during
high rainy seasons which affect the health of the population. Additionally, it is also subjected to
cyclones during this season. Dhaka experiences average temperature of about 26 degrees Celsius.
It experiences high rainfall during May and October making it vulnerable to water and air
pollution as a result of traffic congestion and wastes from industries. This is critical problems
affecting the life quality of the city and at the same time the health (5). Urbanization and
modernization in Dhaka city promote the destruction of water bodies and wetlands more
specifically during construction of infrastructure. Pollution and erosion support the destruction of
natural habitats thus biodiversity obliteration. Also, the city has several lakes such as Lake
Baridhara-Gulshan and Uttara.