The recent High Court order halting construction activities in Panthakunja Park and Hatirjheel waterbody in Dhaka brings a ray of hope. The court mandated the opening of the park to the public and the restoration of Hatirjheel’s original waterbody from Moghbazar to the Bangladesh Film Development Corporation (FDC) premises. This decision follows a petition by environmental activists who raised concerns about the environmental impact of extending the Dhaka elevated expressway from FDC to Palashi.
The activists argued that the original plan for the expressway, based on the Strategic Transport Plan of 2005, did not include the Palashi ramp extension. Despite warnings about increased traffic congestion, the former prime minister approved the construction. The filling of over 10 acres of Hatirjheel Lake between Moghbazar and FDC for the ramp construction aggravated waterlogging in the area and harmed the lake’s biodiversity.
Furthermore, Panthakunja witnessed the felling of numerous trees, turning the once verdant oasis into a barren land. Even a change in political leadership in August 2024 did not deter the Dhaka Elevated Expressway Authority from clearing the park’s trees. The Bangladesh Tree Protection Movement staged a 168-day sit-in protest to safeguard the greenery. While the court ruling offers hope for the preservation of green spaces, the promptness of necessary actions by the authorities remains uncertain.
Past instances of disregarding judicial orders and breaching environmental laws, such as the Environment Conservation (Amendment) Act of 2010 by filling Hatirjheel Lake, raise concerns about the protection of natural spaces. The city’s relentless urbanization without due consideration for the environment is making Dhaka increasingly inhospitable. While relocating the expressway extension may pose challenges, efforts must be made to explore viable alternatives. Future development projects should prioritize the conservation of the remaining natural spaces in the city.