DACCA: dentro la megalopoli più invivibile del mondo

Summary

Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, is one of the most overcrowded and polluted cities in the world, with a population density that far exceeds its infrastructure. Overpopulation has led to dire consequences, including poor living conditions, traffic chaos, and a strained healthcare system. The city's growth is largely driven by migration, particularly climate refugees. While the situation appears grim, there is hope in the resilience of its people and potential solutions such as decentralization. Despite its challenges, Dhaka remains a city full of energy, ambition, and hope for a better future.

Takeaways

• 😀 Bangladesh is the eighth most populous country in the world, home to over 173 million people, but often overlooked due to its location and size.
• 😀 Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, is one of the largest and most overcrowded megacities, with a population density far exceeding its infrastructure capacity.
• 😀 Dhaka’s population density of 48,000 people per square kilometer leads to inhumane living conditions for a significant portion of the population.
• 😀 Overpopulation has made basic services like water supply and air quality impossible to maintain, while non-communicable diseases become more prevalent.
• 😀 Overcrowding and pollution contribute to a deteriorating quality of life, with environmental and health issues that impact the younger generation.
• 😀 Dhaka’s rapid growth is rooted in historical political decisions that concentrated economic and government activities in the capital.
• 😀 A significant number of migrants, especially climate refugees from coastal areas, add pressure to Dhaka’s already strained resources.
• 😀 Despite being Bangladesh's economic hub, Dhaka has a massive disparity in living conditions, with wealthy elites benefiting while the lower classes suffer in poor conditions.
• 😀 Traffic congestion is a major problem in Dhaka, making commuting extremely inefficient, and exacerbating stress and frustration among residents.
• 😀 There is a need for decentralization of Dhaka, including relocating government offices and institutions to other regions to alleviate the pressure on the capital.
• 😀 Despite the overwhelming challenges, Dhaka remains a city full of hope and resilience, with its people driving the potential for positive change.

Q & A

What makes Dhaka one of the most overpopulated cities in the world?

Dhaka's population density is approximately 48,000 people per square kilometer, far exceeding the structural capacity of the city, which is designed for only 15,000 people per square kilometer. The city's rapid growth, combined with insufficient infrastructure, makes it one of the most overpopulated cities globally.

How does overpopulation affect the living conditions in Dhaka?

Overpopulation in Dhaka results in inhuman living conditions for nearly 44% of its population. Basic services like water supply, sanitation, and clean air are severely limited, leading to increased pollution, overcrowded housing, and a shortage of essential services.

What are some health problems exacerbated by Dhaka's overpopulation?

Overpopulation leads to a higher incidence of non-communicable diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and hypertension. Additionally, environmental degradation impacts the health of younger generations, causing early loss of organ function.

Why is Dhaka's rapid urban expansion problematic?

Dhaka's rapid expansion is largely unregulated and has led to a concentration of the country's economy, businesses, and government institutions in the city. This has caused overpopulation and a lack of space for the growing population, creating a vicious cycle of poverty and overcrowding.

What role does climate migration play in Dhaka's population growth?

Many people migrating to Dhaka are climate refugees, particularly from coastal areas affected by frequent floods. These migrants are seeking financial support and safety, but they often end up in slums and shantytowns, adding to the city's already strained infrastructure.

How has the housing situation in Dhaka been impacted by overpopulation?

Overpopulation has driven up land prices, making housing unaffordable for lower-income groups. Many people, particularly garment workers, live in poor conditions, often in overcrowded slums near the textile industries.

What is the government’s role in the overcrowding of Dhaka?

The government’s policies, including encouraging rural migration to Dhaka and concentrating key institutions in the capital, have contributed to the city’s overpopulation. This political neglect and poor planning have exacerbated the strain on Dhaka’s infrastructure.

What impact does Dhaka's traffic congestion have on its residents?

Dhaka's traffic congestion is severe, with the city being the slowest in the world and the fifth most congested globally. This causes significant delays and stress for commuters, with many spending hours in traffic, even for short distances. Public transportation is uncomfortable, and traffic violations are common.

What are the proposed solutions for managing Dhaka's overpopulation?

The main solution discussed is decentralization. Moving administrative offices and key institutions out of Dhaka to other areas, or even relocating the capital, could reduce the population pressure on the city and improve living conditions for its residents.

What role does the textile industry play in Dhaka's economy and population pressure?

The textile industry is Bangladesh's main export sector and contributes significantly to the national GDP. However, workers in this industry often live in poor conditions due to overcrowding, with low wages and inadequate housing near industrial areas.