Analyzing Health Risks Resulting from Unplanned Land Use Plan and Structure: A Case Study in Historic Old Dhaka

Abstract

Dhaka, the capital and largest city of Bangladesh, is the economic and historical core of the country. The old part of it, is known as Old Dhaka which holds great importance in the country of Bangladesh, as it serves as a vibrant hub of cultural heritage and valuable resources. It raises concerns due to its high population density and unplanned urban planning. The present situation is impacting the physical and mental health of the people living here. The presence of air and water pollution in Old Dhaka contributes to various health issues, while the unplanned structure of the area adds to a sense of insecurity among its residents. Moreover, the lack of community resilience further exposes the locality to vulnerabilities. There is a lot of research that has been done on Old Dhaka regarding specific words, community resilience, built structures, and so on. These studies have elaborated on the existing situation but are hardly related to the situation regarding health concerns. To comprehend the effect of the unplanned design on the health of the residents, the author of this paper conducted interviews with 120 individuals, along with observation, photographic analysis, and a cause-and-effect diagram. It facilitated comprehending how people’s health is being impacted and what possible place-based solutions are available for addressing this. This research will assist future researchers as well as government or private agencies in prioritizing health in Old Dhaka.