Dhaka Without Nature? Rethinking Natural Rights Led Urban Sustainability
- Research Division
- Jul 26
- 1 min read
Updated: Jul 31
Dhaka, once a city of natural beauty, now stands at a crossroads, suffocating under the weight of rapid urbanization and ecological degradation. This research delves into the city's transformation from 1980 to 2024, using satellite imagery, land use analysis, and Land Surface Temperature (LST) data to explore the devastating loss of green spaces, water bodies, and agricultural land, all of which contribute to the rising urban heat.
The study reveals stark contrasts between Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) and Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC), with DSCC, the more densely populated area, bearing the brunt of ecological destruction and heat stress. Framing these changes through the concept of natural rights, the paper asserts that the city's unchecked growth has violated nature’s inherent right to thrive, calling for urgent policy reforms to restore ecological balance and ensure sustainable urban development.