Ignoring building codes will expose cities to earthquake catastrophe: IPD
The organisation stressed that Dhaka’s land use plans must consider geological conditions and soil quality to determine appropriate building sizes
Highlights:
- IPD warns Dhaka at high risk due to poor planning
- Building codes, master plans ignored in urban development
- Parks, open spaces lacking for emergency shelter
- High-rises on narrow roads increase earthquake risks
- Weak soil, wetland developments heighten disaster threat
- IPD urges formation of building safety authority
Bangladesh's cities, including Dhaka and Chattogram, remain highly vulnerable to earthquakes due to widespread disregard for building codes, master plans, and land use zoning, the Institute for Planning and Development (IPD) has warned.
In a statement signed by Director Professor Adil Muhammad Khan and Executive Director Mohammad Ariful Islam, IPD highlighted the urgent need for preparedness, citing the recent 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Myanmar as a stark reminder of the risks.
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The organisation noted that while Bangladesh has experienced frequent minor tremors in recent years, preparedness remains minimal.
It urged the interim government to take immediate action to mitigate earthquake risks before a major disaster occurs.
IPD expressed concern that despite forming multiple reform commissions, the interim government has not established one dedicated to planned urbanisation, sustainable housing, and building safety.
Instead, it criticised the formation of an advisory council committee, reportedly under pressure from real estate developers, to amend Dhaka's Detailed Area Plan (DAP) in favour of unrestricted high-rise construction.
The organisation also pointed to the lack of government discussions on increasing parks, playgrounds, and open spaces, which are crucial for emergency shelter during disasters.
It noted that authorities have remained indifferent even as citizens protested for 100 days to protect Panthakunja Park, the only open space for shelter in the Kathalbagan area.
Additionally, IPD alleged that corruption within RAJUK and the Ministry of Housing and Public Works has enabled unauthorised construction, with officials colluding with developers to legalise illegal buildings by amending the master plan.
The interim government has yet to take visible action against this, it added.
IPD warned that if Rajuk's and the housing ministry's recent amendments to Dhaka's DAP and building codes proceed, the earthquake risk in Dhaka will rise significantly.
In particular, it cautioned against plans to allow high-rises on narrow roads and exempt residential buildings up to 10 storeys from structural and fire safety regulations.
Geological risks and unplanned development
The organisation stressed that Dhaka's land use plans must consider geological conditions and soil quality to determine appropriate building sizes.
However, it noted that many residential projects have already been built on flood flow zones and wetlands, particularly in the eastern and western regions of the city.
Buildings constructed on such weak soil face a significantly higher earthquake risk, as seen in recent disasters in Turkey.
While Dhaka's DAP initially proposed varying building sizes based on area-specific characteristics, IPD criticised the Ministry's plan to introduce a uniform Floor Area Ratio (FAR) across the entire city.
Such an approach, it argued, is absent in urban planning strategies worldwide and could further endanger an already unlivable city.
If unregulated construction continues, even a moderate earthquake near Dhaka could lead to massive loss of life and property, particularly affecting low and lower-middle-income communities, as seen in the Haiti earthquake, IPD warned.
IPD's recommendations
To mitigate the escalating earthquake risk in Bangladesh's urban centers, IPD has outlined ten critical recommendations.
IPD urged the immediate establishment of an Urban Planning and Management Commission to prioritise and ensure the safety of urban populations.
Furthermore, IPD recommended the swift formation of the Bangladesh Building Regulatory Authority to effectively enforce the Bangladesh National Building Code.
IPD suggested the development of comprehensive land use plans and master plans that meticulously consider geological conditions and soil quality.
They also recommend the systematic identification of at-risk buildings, followed by the implementation of retrofitting or reconstruction measures as necessary.
IPD urged the adoption of tailored earthquake preparedness strategies that account for income-level differences within urban areas.
Additionally, IPD suggested the prohibition of high-rise construction on narrow roads and wetlands, coupled with the regular maintenance of gas, electricity, and other utility lines.
IPD recommended the creation and maintenance of adequate parks, gardens, playgrounds, and open spaces to serve as emergency shelters.
They urged the government to prioritise human safety over commercial interests when formulating master plans, building codes, and fire safety regulations.
IPD suggested the strengthening of oversight capabilities for construction and urban planning within development authorities, city corporations, and municipalities.
Finally, IPD recommended the fostering of coordination among state agencies and the active involvement of communities in earthquake preparedness efforts.
IPD stressed that without immediate and decisive intervention, Bangladesh's cities face the imminent threat of catastrophic damage in the event of a major earthquake.
