Initiative taken to assess tremor risk of private buildings in Dhaka city

The government has taken the initiative to assess the earthquake risk of private buildings in Dhaka city.

"Steps have been taken to assess the earthquake risk of private buildings in Dhaka and to prepare a risk sensitivity database for the Rangpur and Sylhet City Corporation areas," Finance Minister AH Mahmood Ali told the House while delivering his budget speech on Thursday.

He informed the Parliament that plans have been formulated to develop Gulshan-Banani-Baridhara Lake and establish an eco-park in Sector 12 of Purbachal in Dhaka, reports BSS.

"To promote sustainable infrastructure, steps are being taken to develop alternative bricks to replace burnt bricks, conserve agricultural land, and produce environment-friendly construction materials," he said.

The finance minister said re-excavating, expanding, and developing 36 canals connected with the Karnaphuli River are underway to address sudden flooding and waterlogging in Chattogram.

Also, he said, construction of embankments and roads from Kalurghat Bridge to Chaktai Canal along the banks of the Karnaphuli River is in progress.

Considering planned urbanization as essential for improving citizens' quality of life, increasing productivity, and ensuring easy access to essential services, a range of initiatives are being taken up, he said.

Ali said the Detailed Area Plan (DAP) with the tenure from 2022-2035 is being implemented to enhance the infrastructural standards of the capital city, Dhaka.

Besides, he said, formulation of the Chittagong Metropolitan Master Plan (2020-2041) for Chittagong Metropolitan City, Structure Plan, Master Plan and Detailed Area Plan of 269.92 square kilometres outside the existing DAP area for Khulna City, and Detailed Area Plan (DAP) and Master Plan of Cox's Bazar is in progress.

He said the formulation of the development plan of 27 upazilas in 14 districts is underway.