It is very alarming that Dhaka city has turned into an Urban Heat Island (UHI), which has been evident in a recent study conducted by Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET). It identifies that the effect of UHI level has gone up a lot in the past ten years, with its temperatures rising by nearly 6 degrees Celsius in some areas of the capital. On 20 April, the mercury touched 40.6 degrees Celsius, the second highest since 1960. Not only that, around 90% of  Dhaka North and South City Corporations areas are now at risk of severe heat waves.

The situation has not taken such a severe turn in a single day. The capital saw a rapid urbanisation during the past few decades almost without proper planning regarding environmental issues. Meanwhile, the experts have warned that such an increase in the temperature may take a heavy toll on public health. They have also emphasised that in order to overcome the UHI effects, there is no alternative to having a greater amount of green space in the city.

At this critical juncture, when the city dwellers have spent days of severe heat waves in the recent times, it is very unfortunate that trees are reportedly being cut at various places in the name of development. But will development benefit people if it is achieved at the cost of the environment? It seems that the policymakers are yet to perceive the gravity of the situation. Otherwise, they could not have allowed felling trees at any place in the country so indiscriminately.  

Therefore, the government must come up with a better urban planning. The development should take place, but it must not be at the cost of the environment. When buildings and roads are constructed, there must be enough green spaces allocated to them so that the environment remains cool and healthy. It is mentionable that many people in the city are now resorting to air conditions to escape the torment of the rising temperature, making the situation worse as it contributes towards further temperature increase. If we want to get a sustainable solution to the city’s rising temperature, we must turn to natural solution—tree plantation.