Tuesday, 25 June 2013
Major sources of air pollution in dhaka city
Thursday, 30 May 2013
Stress to be on Creation of Pedestrian friendly environment
Stress to be on Creation of Pedestrian friendly environment
Communication Minister Obaidul Quader MP said about half of all victims of road fatalities are pedestrian. In addition to non-compliance of law by drivers pedestrian’s lack of awareness is also responsible for fatalities. Besides, lack of pedestrian-friendly wide and parallel footpath, illegal parking on footpaths, lack of sufficient zebra-crossing are also responsible for occurrence of road fatalities. We are active in enacting necessary law and ensured law compliance, framing infrastructure and creating awareness about it.
Honorable Minister said as above at a workshop on “Improving the pedestrian environment in Dhaka: steps forward” jointly organized by Asian Development Bank (ADB), Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority (DTCA), Local Government Engineering Department (LGED), Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC), Gazipur City Corporation (GCC), HealthBridge-Canada, and Work for a Better Bangladesh (WBB) Trust.
The program was chaired by Saifuddin Ahmed, Executive Director of WBB Trust and was addressed by Md. Wahidur Rahman, Chief Engineer of Local Government Engineering Department (LGED, Sha Kamal (Assistant Secretary), Administrator of Gazipur City Corporation (GCC), Debra Efroymson, Regional Director of HealthBridge-Canada, and by David Margonsztern, Urban Development Specialist (Transport) Asian Development Bank (ADB). Aminul Islam Sujon, Project Coordinator of WBB Trust moderated the function.
Minister Obaidul Quader MP also said walking is duly stressed in all developed cities for improved communication facilitates. We are also going forward step by step. At present ADB initiative of making Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) from Shajalal International Airport, walking at corridor, smooth movement for cycle and rickshaw is very efficient and scientific. BRT will ease movement for the users; the pedestrian will also be benefited from it.
Debra Efroymson said the city can not be called modern where people do not get sufficient walking facility. Infection of non-communicable diseases including diabetics and cardiovascular diseases are increasing among people. Besides, pollution, fuel costs, accidents, transportation costs are also increasing numerically. So, city transportation policy should address those issues for easy and comfortable movement of the people.
David Margonsztern said ADB is going to start separate lane for bus-Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) from Gazipur to Airport. As a result, more than 1 lac people can easily move in the city which will reduce transportation crisis in the city. In addition, pedestrian-riendly environment will be created so that pedestrian can get its benefits.
Sha Kamal (Assistant Secretary), Administrator of Gazipur City Corporation (GCC) said Gazipur is a newly formed City Corporation but larger in population. Walking facility in Gazipur is efficient. GCC will work for improving walking facilities in Gazipur. Md. Wahidur Rahman said LGED shall have its role in developing pedestrian-friendly environment in city. We are involved in BRT initiative of ADB. We shall work for creating pedestrian-friendly environment in city in future.
Saifuddin Ahmed in his chair’s note said people walk as long as they are physically fit. In addition, many people are physically unable to walk or move. Footpath should be equipped with facilities for them.
Technical session of the workshop was held from 11.00 AM to 1.00 PM. This session was chaired and moderated by Dr. Sarwar Jahan, Professor of Urban and Rural Planning Department of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology. Debra Efroymson presented a key note on “Problems of Dhaka Pedestrian; Action Plan” and “Shajalal Avenue; a Pedestrian-friendly model” was also presented. LIoyd Wright, Senior Transportation Expert of ADB presented note on “Necessity of modernization of cycle, rickshaw and non-motorized vehicles”. A note on “Cycling” was presented by Bradley Schroeder, NMT Specialist of ADB.
Participants of Ministry of Communication, Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority (DTCA), Local Government Engineering Department (LGED), Dhaka North & South City Corporation (DNCC & DSCC), Gazipur City Corporation (GCC), RAJUK, Department of Environment, and BRTA were present in the workshop.
Tuesday, 11 October 2011
No licence sans test, govt urged
Tarana Halim, also a famous artiste since her childhood, was speaking at a demonstration in front of the National Press Club in Dhaka on Saturday.
Jointly organised by Saif Foundation and Families United Against Road Accidents (FUARA), Tarana said, the platform of accident victims had sent a letter to the communications minister requesting him not to give driving licences to incompetent people.
“[Communications minister] has given his word that he won’t succumb to such pressure.” Tarana said Abul Hossain’s assurance followed a letter from FUARA.
“I urge the honourable minister to announce that the 20,000 proposed licences will be cancelled and to train the 10,000 drivers who have already been issued licences,” she said.
She said 199,000 ‘unskilled’ drivers had been given licences in the past 18 years and added, “There is no scope to call road mishaps only accidents.”
An MP from reserved women’s seats, Tarana Halim said FUARA is a platform to move for social issues. The Saif Foundation was formed after her nephew Saif Ahmed was killed in a road accident in 2009. “Workers leaders and drivers rebuked us and many distinguished people joined them. I have no political ambition or interest. I want to tell them who see political motives behind these movements that I have never resorted to politics over deaths. Nor will I do it in future.”
She said good efforts are always questioned. “A tendency of ‘shutting up’ and ‘putting up’ is on in the country.”
Communist Party of Bangladesh general secretary Mujahidul Islam Selim said drivers’ ignorance is one of the main reasons behind traffic accidents. “But the government is saying that anyone should be given licence if he understands the difference between a cow and a goat. What kind of a country is we living in?”
He said the entire communications system of the country needed to be overhauled by repairing the roads, increasing public vehicles and appointing skilled drivers and improving the rail and water transports.
Convenor of the organisation Public Service Commission member and Saif’s father Ekram Ahmed said they were demonstrating demanding amendment to the Motor Vehicles Ordinance 1983 and its implementation, announcement of charges against ‘unskilled’ drivers responsible for accidents as non-bailable offence and increasing jail terms for such drivers to 10 years.
The communications minister recently came under stinging criticism within and outside the government over rundown roads after filmmaker Tareque Masud, ATN News CEO Ashfaque (Mishuk) Munier and three others died in a road accident in Manikganj on Aug 13.
The criticisms got harsher when transport owners stopped bus operation on 13 routes demanding repair of the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway.
According to a former US diplomat in Dhaka, as whistleblowing website WikiLeaks said in one of its cables, the minister was ‘less than an honest man’ in his business dealings.
Meanwhile, shipping minister Shahjahan Khan, also a transport workers leader, has been facing criticisms for his recommendation to provide licences to those driving without one for the last 10 to 15 years.
Shahjahan Khan in a press statement issued on Aug 29 said the Bangladesh Road Transport Workers Federation had sent a list to the authorities of 24,000 such drivers. He had said the country had a shortage of 0.135 million drivers and said there was no need for test for drivers, the statement said.
The High Court Aug 25 ordered the government to stop issuing licences without proper screening and legal compliance, until Oct 17, by which time the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) is to submit records of the last five years. The same day, the parliamentary standing committee on communications ministry blamed the previous BNP-led government for issuing licences to unskilled drivers.
In his first reaction after the news reports and criticism over his insistence, minister Shahjahan on Aug 18 said he had proposed issuing licences through due process and refused the allegation of pressuring the authorities.
Following this, Tarana on Aug 20 from a human chain against road accidents said she would fast to her death if ‘unskilled’ drivers get licences upon recommendation from the shipping minister
No licence sans test, govt urged
Human-chain protesting driving license without test
A human chain was formed in frontof the National Press Club in the city on Saturday to press the demand forstopping issuance of driving licenses without tests. Two organization - FamiliesUnited Against Road Accident (FUARA) and Saif Foundation - organized the humanchain at 10:30 am.
Advocate Tarana Halim, MP,Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB) General Secretary Mujahidul Islam Selim,FUARA Convenor Imran Ahmed, Saif Foundation Chairman Samiya Halim and BangladeshHuman Rights Council Chairman Abdur Rahim Khan addressed the human chainprogramme, among others, said a press release.
Prof Dr Mohammad Kasimuddin,social worker Sagor Lohani, Bangladesh Press and Human Rights FoundationPresident Nayeem Ahmed, Udichi Shilpi Goshthi General Secretary Habibul Alam,WBC Trust National Advocacy Officer Maruf Rahman and family members of roadaccident victims took part in the programme along with students, teachers,intellectuals, political and social workers and cultural personalities.
The speakers urged the governmentto take necessary steps to reduce incidence of road accidents and ensure safemovement of the people.
Tarana Halim urged all to jointheir non-political social movement for the prevention of road accidents.
She urged the authorities not toissue driving licenses without taking tests and demanded amendment to the MotorVehicle Ordinance 1943.
Mujahidul Islam Selim suggesteddevelopment of rail and river routes for safe transport system in the country. He urged the authorities to findout the real reasons for road accidents and take proper steps accordingly.
He also suggested improving thepublic transport system and controlling private cars.
Human-chain protesting driving license without test
Licence only after test. Human chain asks govt for safe drivers, roads
Lawmaker and noted artiste Tarana Halim yesterday demanded the government make non-bailable the offence of causing road accidents by drivers and increase the maximum punishment to 10 years imprisonment.
She was addressing a human chain programme seeking necessary steps to reduce road accidents and ensure safe movement, said a release.
Saif Foundation and Families United Against Road Accidents (Fuara) jointly formed the human chain in front of the Jatiya Press Club.
Around 1.9 lakh drivers got professional licences without taking any test during the last 18 years and recommendation has been made to issue another 28,000, she said quoting newspaper reports.
Tarana expressed concern that these irregularities will raise the toll in road crashes and urged the authorities not to issue driving licences without conducting proper tests.
Earlier on August 20, the legislator announced that she would go on a hunger strike unto death if the government issues licences without arranging any test.
Denying that the movement for road safety has political affiliation as hinted by some quarters, she insisted it is a social movement for public welfare.
The Awami League lawmaker also demanded amendment to Motor Vehicle Ordinance, 1983 and arrangement of proper training for those who got licences earlier with out taking any test.
Railway and river routes should be developed urgently to ensure better movement of people, Mujahidul Islam Selim, general secretary of Communist Party of Bangladesh, told the programme.
Fuara convener Iqram Ahmed underscored modernising the existing laws and its proper enforcement to ensure road safety.
Saif Foundation chairman Samia Halim, some family members of accident victims, students, teachers and social and cultural workers joined the programme.
Licence only after test
Human chain asks govt for safe drivers, roads
Check carbon emission in urban areas. Environmental bodies urge govt
Leaders of some environmental organisations yesterday urged the government to take necessary steps in controlling carbon emission in cities as urban living practices are, in many ways, responsible for climate change.
They were speaking at a press conference in the city's Jatiya Press Club organised by WBB Trust and Save the Environment Movement marking World Habitat Day.
They also demanded necessary measures restricting movement of privately-owned cars in cities and emphasised on encouraging people to walk and ride bicycles.
Reading out a written statement, WBB Trust Senior Project Officer Naznin Kabir discussed on the negative impacts of climate change and ways to create awareness among people in this regard.
She also presented the possible consequences of leading a luxurious urban life, using motor vehicles and construction of buildings in an unplanned way.
Nagorik Adhikar Sangrokhhon Forum President Hafizur Rahman Moyna, the movement Secretary Monower Hossen, Jahangirnagar University urban and regional planning department Associate Prof Mohammad Shafiq-ur-Rahman and WBB Trust Director Syed Mahbubul Alam also spoke.
Check carbon emission in urban areas Environmental bodies urge govt
Call for popularising cycling
State Minister for Forest and Environment Dr Hasan Mahmud on Sunday underscored the need for creating convenient atmosphere for easy cycling, considering the forest, health, fuel and communication expenses in the country. He said this while addressing a cycling rally, jointly organised by Dhaka Cycling Club, Nirapad Development Foundation and Work for Better Bangladesh (WBB) Trust, in front of the National Museum in the city.
Emphasising the need for cycling, the State minister said cycling for 30 minutes or 2100 km cycling in a year reduces the risk of gaining weight by 50 percent, blood pressure by 30 percent, cardiac disease by 50 percent and diabetes by 50 percent.
Green activists urged the government to declare national bicycle day to popularise cycling in the country.
President of Bangladesh Cycling Federation Mizanur Rahman Manu, chairman of Nirapad Development Foundation Ibnul Syed Rana, vice-president of Titas Gas Ltd Akter Hossain, national advocacy officer of WBB Trust Maruf Rahman, general secretary of Dhaka Cycling Club Azharul Islam and national cycling coach Sahidur Rahman, among others, addressed the occasion.
Mizanur Rahman Manu said, “The demand for the declaration of national cycling day on September 18 is a long-standing demand to popularise cycling in the country.”
He underlined the need for creating a different network for easy cycling everywhere in the city. The imposed tax on bicycle should be reduced for popularising cycling, he said.
Mizanur Rahman Manu further said, “The motorised vehicles are mainly responsible for environmental pollution. However, cycling and walking can reduce the dependency on private cars.”
Referring to cycling in different developed countries, he said, “Popularity of cycling is increasing in the developed countries and it is being
Expansion of railway, waterways suggested
Different organisations on Tuesday requested the governmentfor adequate investment and quick expansion of railway and waterways as safercommunications network.
They also suggested reducing dependence on road transportsignificantly and modernising the railway and waterways network as soon aspossible.
The recommendations were placed at a view-exchange meetingon 'Safe, Cheap and Sustainable Transport System : Importance and Measures tobe taken' held at the National Press Club. Bangladesh Paribesh Andolon (BAPA),Bangladesh Institute of Planners, Poribesh Bachao Andolon (POBA), FamiliesUnited against Road Accident (FUARA) and WBD Trust jointly organised the viewexchange.
Mentioning a study report, Maruf Rahman, convener of WBDTrust and presenter of the keynote paper on the occasion, said once there was atotal of 24,000-kilometer waterways in Bangladesh, which had now shrunken to5,968-km only.
Of these, only 3,865-kilometer waterways are navigableduring dry season, he noted.
Other speakers at the function criticised the governmentmove of terminating 30,029 railway employees saying, railway service is moreefficient and cheap in carrying goods and less vulnerable to accident.
On the contrary, vast amount of agricultural land is beingdestroyed in road expansion project which is liable to create food shortage inthe country, they added.
Presided over by FUARA convener Iqram Ahmed, it wasaddressed by Professor AKM Abul Kalam, executive member of BAPA Muhidul IslamKhan and Professor of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University Nazrul Islam, amongothers.
Expansion of railway, waterways suggested
‘Safer, cheaper communications
Rights activists and environmentalists on Tuesday urged the government for preparing an integrated communication policy, focusing on the expansion and modernisation of the country’s rail and waterways. Pointing out the better safety and cost-effectiveness of rail and water transportation compared to that of road transportation, the activists in a views exchanging meeting at the National Press Club pressed forward a 19-point charter of demands that include increasing manpower, locomotives and coaches in the country’s ailing railway sector and effectively maintaining the novelty of water routes.
The speakers also stressed the need for strict administrative control over the road transport sector to ensure that unfit vehicles and untrained drivers are not allowed on the roads in order to address the increasing trend of road-accidents over the recent years.
Maruf Rahman of the Work for Better Bangladesh Trust in his keynote paper said, ‘The cost of transporting a passenger by road has recently increased to Tk. 1.35 per kilometre, whereas the costs of rail and water transportation remain the same since 2007 at Tk. 0.38 and Tk. 0.42 respectively.’
‘Safer, cheaper communications
Moreover, for the transportation of the same quantity of traffic units, environmental pollution by cars and lorries are measured to be 8.3 and 30 times higher than the rail mode, he added.
But quite inexplicably, said Maruf, the allocation from the Annual Development Programme for the rail and water transport sector had been reduced from 3.11 and 3.76 per cent to 2 and 0.54 per cent respectively, whereas the allocation for the road sector had been increased from 5.13 to 8.72 per cent between 1990 and 2007 fiscals.
Pointing out the decreasing trend of agricultural land due to road construction in the country, Abu Nasr Khan, convenor of Save the Environment Movement (POBA), said, ‘If the expansion of the roads and highways could be reduced by expanding the railways, there would be less stress on agricultural lands that is a major concern in our country to ensure food security.’
Abu Nasr also criticised subsequent governments for falling in the ‘vicious cycle of projects and loans’ as per the recommendation of World Bank and International Monetary Fund that had only facilitated, said Nasr, ‘The international automobile companies with profit, while depriving the poor and the middle-income groups of their citizen rights of safe and affordable communication.’
Professor AKM Abul Kalam, general secretary of Bangladesh Institute of Planners (BIP), stressed that rail and water transports should be prioritised than the road transport in order to lay out a sustainable and integrated planning in the communication sector to meet the ever increasing transportation demand of the rising population as well as the rising Gross Domestic Product in the country.
Presided over by Ikram Ahmed, chairman of Families United Against Road Accident, the meeting was also addressed by Mohidul Haque Khan, executive director of Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon, BIP member Khondaker M. Ansar Hossain and Professor Nazrul Islam of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, among others.
Comprehensive policy demanded for sustainable transport system
Speakers on Tuesday demanded formulation of a comprehensive policy for sustainable transport system and its proper implementation.
They also urged modernisation of the rail and inland waterways infrastructure to reduce dependency on road transport.
They made the demand at an exchange of views organised by Bangladesh Environment Movement, Bangladesh Institute of Planners, Save the Environment Movement, Families United against Road Accident and WBB Trust at the National Press Club.
Participants in the programme called on the authorities to construct double lines and increase the number of railway locomotives and wagon.
The government should strengthen water transport system in a riverine country like Bangladesh by taking short and long-term measures, they said, also urging for amendment to the Motor Vehicle Ordinance 1983 to improve road transport system.
AKM Abul Kalam, general secretary of the Bangladesh Institute of Planners, said Bangladesh had a transport network which included roads, railways and inland waterways but only the road transport had traditionally been the centre of the government’s attention.
Moreover, railway networks need multi-modal integration with road and inland water transport systems, he said.
Corruption in road construction, illegal fitness certificate for water ways and dredging in rivers should be looked into, he said.
Ekram Hossain, convener of Families United against Road Accident, Maruf Rahman, national advocacy officer of WBB Trust, Bangladesh Paribesh Andolan executive member Muzibul Haque and executive director Coalition for Urban Poor Rebecca Sultana were present at the programme.
Comprehensive policy demanded for sustainable transport system
World Car Free Day observed
Green activists at a cycle rally on Thursday called for keeping private cars off the road one day a week to cut down the capital city’s traffic congestion and pollution.
They demanded increasing the tax on car imports and parking to encourage better public transport system.
Organised by the Save the Environment Movement the cycle rally started at National Museum and ended at Central Shaheed Minar to mark World Car Free Day said an SEM press release.
SEM chairman Abu Naser Khan said that an ever growing number of private cars were contributing to traffic congestion and road accidents, increased expenditure for road construction, environment pollution and greater power consumption day by day.
He said that a sustainable transport system required coordinated steps to encourage walking and the use of cycles.
Nagorik Odhikar Sangrakhan president Hafizur Rahman, Save the Environment Movement secretary Sabina Nayeem, Dhaka Cycling Club general secretary Azharul Islam were present.
Jagannath University student Meshkatul Alam won a cycle at the raffle draw.
World Car Free Day observed
‘Curb car use to drive away jam
Green campaigners on Thursday demanded a stop on use of private cars at least once a week to reduce traffic congestion and environmental pollution in the city. An increase in the use of private car is not only contributing to similar rise in traffic congestion but also resulting in misuse of energy, they said at a rally in front of National Museum. Save the Environment Movement (SEM) organised the rally to mark World Car-free Day.
The green activists later brought out a cycle rally that ended at Central Shaheed Minar.
Maruf Rahman, national advocacy officer of WBB Trust, said, “Cars carry only 5 per cent of people commuting in the city every day, while most people use public buses, rickshaws and cycles. A large part of the city’s population also moves on foot but no initiative is seen to facilitate their movement.
“But the government is always seen to encourage import and use of private cars and taxi cabs.”
Excessive use of cars play an instrumental role in the increase of traffic congestion and their movement should be curbed to ease jams, Maruf said. He also stressed the need to create a congenial atmosphere for cycling within the city. “Cycle is an energy-free and environment-friendly vehicle,” Rahman said.
Chairman of SEM Abu Naser Khan said the use of private cars should be stopped at least once a week to maintain a clean atmosphere and save energy. “This rule is in place in cities such as Jakarta (Indonesia) and Bogotá (Colombia). The energy crisis is a great cause of concern, as we spend a huge money to import energy.”
Instead of increasing price of fuel, Khan asked the government to fix a different rate of fuel for those using their own vehicles. He also suggested for improving the mass transport system instead of constructing car-friendly infrastructure
‘Curb car use to drive away jam
The green activists later brought out a cycle rally that ended at Central Shaheed Minar.
Maruf Rahman, national advocacy officer of WBB Trust, said, “Cars carry only 5 per cent of people commuting in the city every day, while most people use public buses, rickshaws and cycles. A large part of the city’s population also moves on foot but no initiative is seen to facilitate their movement.
“But the government is always seen to encourage import and use of private cars and taxi cabs.”
Excessive use of cars play an instrumental role in the increase of traffic congestion and their movement should be curbed to ease jams, Maruf said. He also stressed the need to create a congenial atmosphere for cycling within the city. “Cycle is an energy-free and environment-friendly vehicle,” Rahman said.
Chairman of SEM Abu Naser Khan said the use of private cars should be stopped at least once a week to maintain a clean atmosphere and save energy. “This rule is in place in cities such as Jakarta (Indonesia) and Bogotá (Colombia). The energy crisis is a great cause of concern, as we spend a huge money to import energy.”
Instead of increasing price of fuel, Khan asked the government to fix a different rate of fuel for those using their own vehicles. He also suggested for improving the mass transport system instead of constructing car-friendly infrastructure
‘Curb car use to drive away jam
Keep cars at home once a week to cut pollution
Speakers at a cycle procession yesterday urged authorities concerned to take necessary steps so that car owners keep their cars at home once a week to reduce environment pollution, traffic congestion and dependency on fossil fuels.
Only five percent of the city's people ride cars which occupy around 70 percent of the roads and highways, creating heavy traffic congestion, they said.
The rally was organised by Save the Environment Movement in front of the city's National Museum.
Citizens' rights activists there urged to enforce a car-free day in keeping with major cities all over the world and to coincide with the international event on September 22.
They also stressed the need to create a bicycle-friendly atmosphere on the streets.
Their other demands include increasing taxes on car import, discouraging availability of loans to purchase cars, imposing on-street car parking charges and improving public transportation services.
The movement Chairman Abu Naser Khan and Dhaka Cycling Club General Secretary Azharul Islam Masum also spoke at the rally.
Keep cars at home once a week to cut pollution
Sunday, 9 January 2011
Demand of safe walking environment, In a Walkathon by BAPA and WBB Trust
A walkathon was organized by Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (BAPA) and Work for a Better Bangladesh (WBB) Trust today at 10.00 am from National Museum to National Press Club demanding better footpath by extension, undertaking zebra-crossing for safe walking and planting trees on road sides to create sound environment for walking, initiating special signal for pedestrians and for pro people transports
by restricting private cars.
The brief meeting was chaired by Professor ATM Ruhul Amin and convened by Kamrul Ahsan Khan, coordinator of Bangladesh Environment Network (BEN), Australia. Professor AAMS Arefin Siddique, vice-chancellor of University of Dhaka, Dr. Abdul Matin, General Secretary of Bangladesh Paribesh Andolon (BAPA), Professor Nazrul Islam, President of Bangladesh Environment Network (BEN), A R Khan, former professor of University of Dhaka, Dancer Tamanna Rahman, Architect Salma Safi, Dr. Lelin Chowdhury on behalf of Khelaghar, Iqbalul Haq of UDICHI on behalf of cultural workers, Ekram Ahmed, former divisional commissioner, Syed Mahbubul Alam, Program Manager of WBB Trust, Architect Iqbal Habib, joint secretary of BAPA, Zakir Hossain, joint secretary of BAPA and Sharif Zamil joint secretary of BAPA addressed in the meeting.
Vice-chancellor of University of Dhaka Professor AAMS Arefin Siddique said, “Private cars use should be reduced for environmental development”. “Safe environment for walking and cycling should be created”. “Dhaka University family actively contributes to social movement for safe environment”, he added. He also said that recommendation of BAPA, BEN and WBB Trust of cycling for students of Dhaka University seems assertive. We will develop an environment of cycling in Dhaka University Campus.
BEN President Professor Nazrul Islam said that fuel based Private cars are being controlled worldwide to defend global warming and climate change. It is also important for Bangladesh to control private cars.
BAPA General Secretary Dr. Abdul Matin has said that Mass people will be encouraged if sound environment for walking is created. “Walking keeps people healthy”, he added.
Kamrul Ahsan Khan said that there is enough opportunity for walking and cycling in al the countries in the world but Bangladesh does not have such opportunity. It is important to create a better environment for walking and cycling in our country also.
Syed Mahbubul Alam said that more people are dying of non-communicable diseases in the world and if people walk regularly, they will not be attacked by diseases like Diabetics, heart disease and other non-communicable diseases.
Professor Ruhul Amin said that walking keeps people sound and active physically and mentally. Besides, walking reduces motorized transport dependence which will reduce government expense in fuel and transport sectors.
“Every healthy person should walk for 1 hour a day” and people will be encouraged if sound environment for walking is created which ultimately reduces air and sound pollution.
Professor MM Akash, Shahazahan Mridha Benu, Mohidul Haq Khan, Rakib Uddin, general Secretary of Dhaka University Alumni Association, Dhaka District Rover fo Bangladesh Scouts, SRDA, Green Voice, Nirapad Development Foundation, Green Belt Trust, Manab Unnayan Sangstha, Manobik, PSS, Uddipan, a student organization of Sher-E-Bangla Agriculture University, and students of architecture Department of Bangladesh University.
by restricting private cars.
The brief meeting was chaired by Professor ATM Ruhul Amin and convened by Kamrul Ahsan Khan, coordinator of Bangladesh Environment Network (BEN), Australia. Professor AAMS Arefin Siddique, vice-chancellor of University of Dhaka, Dr. Abdul Matin, General Secretary of Bangladesh Paribesh Andolon (BAPA), Professor Nazrul Islam, President of Bangladesh Environment Network (BEN), A R Khan, former professor of University of Dhaka, Dancer Tamanna Rahman, Architect Salma Safi, Dr. Lelin Chowdhury on behalf of Khelaghar, Iqbalul Haq of UDICHI on behalf of cultural workers, Ekram Ahmed, former divisional commissioner, Syed Mahbubul Alam, Program Manager of WBB Trust, Architect Iqbal Habib, joint secretary of BAPA, Zakir Hossain, joint secretary of BAPA and Sharif Zamil joint secretary of BAPA addressed in the meeting.
Vice-chancellor of University of Dhaka Professor AAMS Arefin Siddique said, “Private cars use should be reduced for environmental development”. “Safe environment for walking and cycling should be created”. “Dhaka University family actively contributes to social movement for safe environment”, he added. He also said that recommendation of BAPA, BEN and WBB Trust of cycling for students of Dhaka University seems assertive. We will develop an environment of cycling in Dhaka University Campus.
BEN President Professor Nazrul Islam said that fuel based Private cars are being controlled worldwide to defend global warming and climate change. It is also important for Bangladesh to control private cars.
BAPA General Secretary Dr. Abdul Matin has said that Mass people will be encouraged if sound environment for walking is created. “Walking keeps people healthy”, he added.
Kamrul Ahsan Khan said that there is enough opportunity for walking and cycling in al the countries in the world but Bangladesh does not have such opportunity. It is important to create a better environment for walking and cycling in our country also.
Syed Mahbubul Alam said that more people are dying of non-communicable diseases in the world and if people walk regularly, they will not be attacked by diseases like Diabetics, heart disease and other non-communicable diseases.
Professor Ruhul Amin said that walking keeps people sound and active physically and mentally. Besides, walking reduces motorized transport dependence which will reduce government expense in fuel and transport sectors.
“Every healthy person should walk for 1 hour a day” and people will be encouraged if sound environment for walking is created which ultimately reduces air and sound pollution.
Professor MM Akash, Shahazahan Mridha Benu, Mohidul Haq Khan, Rakib Uddin, general Secretary of Dhaka University Alumni Association, Dhaka District Rover fo Bangladesh Scouts, SRDA, Green Voice, Nirapad Development Foundation, Green Belt Trust, Manab Unnayan Sangstha, Manobik, PSS, Uddipan, a student organization of Sher-E-Bangla Agriculture University, and students of architecture Department of Bangladesh University.
Make zebra crossings on busy roads
Make zebra crossings on busy roads
Environmentalists urge govt
Environmental activists yesterday demanded marking zebra crossings at all busy thoroughfares in the capital to ensure safe movement of pedestrians.
They placed the demand after drawing a zebra crossing in front of fine arts faculty on Dhaka University campus, jointly organised by Poribesh Bachao Andolon (Save Environment Movement) and Nirapod Development Foundation.
Environmental activists there urged the government to not misuse funds by building foot-over-bridges in the city as most pedestrians do not use them.
They also demanded making separate walk-lane along busy streets for pedestrians. They urged all to practice walking instead of using vehicles.
Environmental activists Abu Naser Khan, Ibnul Sayed Rana, Syed Mahbubul Alam and Moshiur Rahman Rubel, among others, spoke on the occasion.
Environmentalists urge govt
Environmental activists yesterday demanded marking zebra crossings at all busy thoroughfares in the capital to ensure safe movement of pedestrians.
They placed the demand after drawing a zebra crossing in front of fine arts faculty on Dhaka University campus, jointly organised by Poribesh Bachao Andolon (Save Environment Movement) and Nirapod Development Foundation.
Environmental activists there urged the government to not misuse funds by building foot-over-bridges in the city as most pedestrians do not use them.
They also demanded making separate walk-lane along busy streets for pedestrians. They urged all to practice walking instead of using vehicles.
Environmental activists Abu Naser Khan, Ibnul Sayed Rana, Syed Mahbubul Alam and Moshiur Rahman Rubel, among others, spoke on the occasion.
Saturday, 13 November 2010
Air Pollution
Cars pollute as soon as they are turned on, whether they are moving or sitting still in traffic. To blame air pollution on rickshaws because they slow down cars is outrageous. Even when moving smoothly and well-maintained, cars pollute; internationally, cars are the major polluters of our air and the major contributors to climate change. Worldwide, the most air pollution is created by the United States, not because their cars are slowed by rickshaws, or because their cars are poorly maintained, but because Americans drive so much. Cars pollute; lots of cars pollute a lot.
CNG is cleaner than other fuels, but as it is a carbon-based fuel, it still releases carbon dioxide into the air as well as the cancer-causing chemical benzene, for which no safe level of exposure is known. People travelling by foot, bicycle, or rickshaw arrive at their destination without contributing to air pollution; people travelling by a motorized vehicle, even a bus, contribute to air pollution. While the rich are the main sources of air pollution, everyone breathes the air.
Meanwhile, if the rich believe they are somehow immune to air pollution because they live with air conditioning, they might wish to remember that they too must breathe the same air that they are polluting; the more cars, the more they too will suffer.
Parking vs moving
Parking vs moving
Consider the case of Mirpur Road near New Market. One entire lane remains almost entirely unused. In front of New Market it is filled with parked cars; the rest of that lane is empty, except for some pedestrians, as drivers are used to the idea that it is a parking lot rather than a lane, and thus don’t use it.
But if the lane were converted into an additional rickshaw lane, where would car drivers park? If we assigned one parking area for private cars at any section of New Market, and charged per time used—for instance at 30 taka/hour—then two major changes would result:
1. Those who now park all day, and thus are the least efficient users of spaces per people benefited, would park for far less time, or use alternate transport to arrive and thus not park at all;
2. Those arriving from nearby would discover it is cheaper to take a rickshaw or walk, and would thus also arrive by other means.
Both these changes would reduce traffic congestion on Mirpur Road. This would also mean that far less parking spaces are needed, thus freeing up spaces for shoppers who wish to enter and leave quickly—and are more likely actually to make purchases than those who abandon their car for hours. Businesses would also benefit from the increased number of shoppers who will be able to arrive by rickshaws when the size of the rickshaw lane would double.
Syed Saiful Alam
Volunteer, Save the Environment movement, Dhaka
Suggestions for Improving Transport in Dhaka
Suggestions for Improving Transport in Dhaka
1. Maintain the use of rickshaws by
a) Canceling all planned bans on rickshaws from different roads;
b) Creating rickshaw-only lanes on major streets (including those that currently ban rickshaws), and
c) Considering a gradual shift to improved rickshaws that are easier to maneuver and more comfortable for passengers. If the rickshaw licensing system is to be maintained, set a higher level for the number of rickshaws, and base it on research into which all citizens can have input.
2. Cancel all plans for future flyovers, and use transportation budgets to improve public transit and conditions for NMT ( Non motorized transport) .
3. Make cars less affordable and available through reducing import of cars, raising registration fees and taxes, and restricting licenses.
4. Ban cars from small streets and lanes and from congested areas, and greatly reduce parking. Enforce a ban on parking on footpaths and on major streets.
5. Make cycling more safe and attractive by providing separate bicycle lanes on all major roads (creating a continuous cycle lane throughout the city) and by giving bicycles priority at traffic signals so they aren
Thursday, 28 October 2010
Fuel Consumption and Environmental Impact of Rickshaw Bans in Dhaka
Fuel Consumption and Environmental Impact of Rickshaw Bans in Dhaka
Most trips in Dhaka are short in distance, usually one to five kilometers. These trips are perfect of Rickshaws. Rickshaws are cheap and popular mode of transport over short distances. Rickshaws are safe, environmentally friendly and do not rely on fossil fuels. Rickshaws support a significant portion of the population, not only the pullers, but also their families in the villages, the mechanics who fix the rickshaws, as well as street hawkers who sell them food. From the raw materials to the finished product the Rickshaw employs some 38 different professions. Action needs to be taken to support the Rickshaw instead of further banning it in Dhaka. The combined profits of all Rickshaws out earn all other passenger transport modes (bus, rail, boats and airlines) combined. In Dhaka alone, Rickshaw pullers combine to earn 20 million taka a month.
We think that over the coming holiday of Eid du Ajah, new Rickshaw bans will be put into action on roads in Dhaka. Eid was used in the past to place new bans on roads in Dhaka. Last Eid many roads were declared Rickshaw free without public support or approval. By banning Rickshaws roads are clogged with increased private car use as well as increased parking by cars. Banning of Rickshaws on major roads increases the transportation costs for commuters. Not only due to longer trips to avoid roads with bans in effect, but also due to actually having to take more expensive forms of transport such as CNG or Taxi, where in the past a Rickshaw would suffice. The environmental impact of banning Rickshaws is obvious because it exchanges a non-motorized form of transport for a motorized form of transport, thus increasing the pollution and harming the environment. Rickshaw bans harm the most vulnerable in society, mainly the sick, poor, women, children and the elderly; generally those who can not afford or do not feel comfortable on other forms of public transport. To ban Rickshaws also hurts small businesses that rely on them as a cheap and reliable form of transporting their goods.
Rickshaws are ideal for urban settings because they can transport a relatively large number of passengers while taking up a small portion of the road. In 1998 the data showed that Rickshaws took up 38% of road space while transporting 54% of passengers in Dhaka . The private cars on the other hand, took up 34% of road space while only transporting 9% of the population (1998 DUTP). This data does not include the parking space on roads that cars take up in Dhaka . If included this would further raise the amount of space taken up by private cars. Every year the Rickshaw saves Bangladesh 100 billion taka in environmental damage.
The government makes many efforts to reduce traffic congestion in Dhaka but with no success. Blaming Rickshaws for traffic congestion and subsequently banning them from major roads has not had the desired affect. Traffic is still as bad now as it was before the Rickshaws were banned on major roads. Rickshaws thus can not be seen as the major cause of traffic congestion. Instead one should look towards private cars and private car parking on roads as the major cause of traffic congestion.
The space gained by banning Rickshaws is often used for private car parking. The current trend in transport planning reduces the mobility of the majority for the convenience of the minority. The next time a ban on Rickshaws on another road is discussed please take into consideration who is being hurt and who is being helped. For a better transport system in Dhaka we need to create a city wide network of Rickshaw lanes. If this is done Dhaka can reduce its fuel usage dramatically as well its pollution. We ask your help in our fight to keep Dhaka a Rickshaw city. Any information or help is very much appreciated and sought after. I write you this letter to describe the difficulties we are facing and some solutions but they are by no means exhaustive and we look forward to your help and input.
Syed Saiful Alam
Save the Environment Movement
Dhaka. Bangladesh
More transports, more pollution
Let us return to the private car. Whatever convenience and comfort it provides comes at various costs. Cars are the main source of pollutants worldwide. There is no such thing as a clean car; cars just vary in the amount they pollute. Despite increasingly stringent emissions control standards over the decades in the US, cars pollute more than they used to-because people are driving farther.
It is difficult for us to appreciate just how much cars pollute. The air in Dhaka City, after all, improved dramatically after the banning of two-stroke baby taxis, and again with the introduction of unleaded fuel. However, this is by no means an indication that the air in Dhaka is clean. Any trip to the countryside is a reminder of the pleasure of breathing clean air. Even in Dhaka, if we wake up early and take a walk, we can experience a bit of the pleasure of fresh air; as each car passes, we can also understand just how much each car pollutes the air. As the streets fill with cars, the pollution rises.
On hartal days, despite large numbers of people moving about the city, the air is fresh and the city (violence aside) is quiet. Cars-wide paved roads needed to accommodate them-also emit a great deal of heat, making Dhaka even more insufferable in the many hot months.
Presumably one component of civilization is respecting the rights of others. The attitude of drivers-who represent the wealthiest portion of society-that they alone should have full access to roads-is anti-democratic, anti-civilization, and disturbingly elitist.
A society in which people fail to respect the rights of others, and in which the rich believe they should have special privileges on the roads as well as in every other aspect of life, is a society destined to fall into crime, selfishness, viciousness, and lack of the neighborly friendliness that allows people to live comfortably together.
Syed Saiful Alam
Save the Environment Movement
Dhaka, Bangladesh
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