Urban scientists suggest that cities are at increasing risks of uncontrolled urbanization, social disparity and

segregation and fragmented urban governance systems. The vulnerabilities have been further multiplied by
global environmental change and anthropogenic hazards. Kraas notes “the effects of global environmental
and socio-economic change can magnify risks and impair the quality of life for many people, particularly
the more vulnerable population groups”. With this added dimension of urban challenge, growth dynamics
and management perspectives have become more complex and compound in nature.
The trend of urbanization in cities in Bangladesh show typical growth dynamics of megacities. There is
pressing demands for urban infrastructure, utilities, and services such as drainage, water supply, solid waste
management, sewerage, sanitation, housing, and transportation. The inadequacy of services and lack of
good governance in service delivery has given rise to a critical situation. In addition, the ever-growing
population puts significant pressure on the city, as well as on the surrounding environment. The
multifaceted challenges have emerged from informal urbanization and have been further deteriorated by
natural and man-made hazards.
Some scholars think that the process of urbanization will bring numerous benefits for monetary growth,
expansion of business activities, social and cultural incorporation, resourceful services, as well as resources
of utilization. Though, there are some issues occur due to the urbanization. These include:
Major critical issues or problems of urban areas
Environmental/ Physical Problems:
1. Air Pollution: The presence of harmful substances in the air, often resulting from the release of pollutants
from various sources, impacting air quality and human health.
2. Waterlogging: The saturation of soil with water, leading to poor drainage and making it difficult for
plants to grow.
3. Crisis of Safe Drinking Water: The lack of access to clean and safe drinking water, often leading to
health problems and crises.
4. Urban Heat Island: Localized areas with higher temperatures in urban environments compared to their
rural surroundings, often due to human activities and infrastructure.
5. Loss of Biodiversity: Reduction in the variety of plant and animal species in a given ecosystem or region.
6. Fire Hazard: Conditions that increase the risk of fires, often related to environmental
factors or human activities.
7. Groundwater Degradation: The deterioration of quality in underground water sources,
often due to pollution or over-extraction.

Social Problems:
8. Overpopulation: The condition where the number of individuals in a population exceeds the available
resources and infrastructure to sustain a reasonable quality of life.
9. Crime and Violence: Unlawful activities and acts of physical force that threaten the safety and well-
being of individuals within a community.
10. Unemployment: The condition where individuals who are capable of working are unable to find
suitable employment.
11. Lack of Minimum Proper Housing: Insufficient availability of decent and affordable housing for the
population.
12. Lack of Proper Health Facilities: Inadequate access to medical care and healthcare services for the
population.
13. Increase of Informal Settlements: Growth of unauthorized and often makeshift residential areas
lacking proper infrastructure and services.

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14. Socio-economic Disparity/Inequality: Disparities in income, education, and opportunities among
different segments of the population.
15. Epidemics: Outbreaks of diseases affecting a large population within a specific geographic area.

Infrastructural Problems:
16. Traffic: The movement of vehicles on roads, often leading to congestion and delays in transportation.
17. Poor Waste Management: Inadequate or inefficient handling, disposal, and recycling of waste
materials, leading to environmental degradation.
18. Inadequate Utilities (Gas, Water, Electricity): Insufficient or unreliable access to basic utilities
essential for daily living.
19. Inefficient Transportation: Poorly organized and ineffective transportation systems that lead to
congestion and inefficiencies.
20. Lack of Drainage: Inadequate systems for the removal of excess water, leading to flooding and
waterlogging.

Aesthetic Problems:
21. Noise Pollution: Unwanted or harmful sound that disrupts normal activities, affecting both human
health and the environment.
22. Visual Pollution: The presence of unsightly or distracting elements in the environment, often related
to advertising, signage, or other visual disturbances.
23. Unplanned Construction: Construction activities carried out without proper planning, leading to urban
sprawl and infrastructure challenges.

Planning Problems:
24. High Land Price: Elevated costs of land, making it challenging for individuals and businesses to
afford suitable locations.
25. Increase of High Rise Structures: The growing construction of tall buildings in urban areas,
impacting the skyline and sometimes leading to challenges in urban planning.
26. Lack of Green Space: Insufficient open areas with vegetation and recreational spaces within urban
environments.
27. Lack of Sufficient Playgrounds: Insufficient spaces for recreational activities, particularly for
children.
28. Lack of Good Governance: Ineffective or corrupt management and administration, leading to
challenges in public services and development.
29. Political Problems: Issues related to governance, political instability, and conflicts that can affect the
overall well-being of a community.
30. Road Accidents: Incidents involving vehicles on roads that may result in damage, injury, or loss of
life.
31. Lack of Water Bodies and Wetlands: Insufficient presence of lakes, rivers, and wetlands, impacting
ecosystems and water resources.
32. Earthquake Vulnerability: The susceptibility of an area to earthquake hazards and risks, often
influenced by geological factors and construction practices.

In conclusion, the urbanization trends in Bangladesh, particularly in cities like Dhaka, underscore the
significant challenges and opportunities associated with rapid population growth and urban expansion. Over

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the years, Bangladesh has experienced substantial urban population growth, with the urban population
increasing from 2.54% in 1911 to nearly 23% in 2001. This growth has been driven by factors such as rural-
to-urban migration, territorial expansion of existing urban areas, and changes in the definition of urban
areas.
However, this urbanization process has also brought about a host of environmental, social, and economic
challenges. Environmental problems, including air and water pollution, noise pollution, and solid waste
management issues, have escalated due to industrialization, vehicular emissions, and unplanned urban
expansion. Infrastructure and service provision have struggled to keep pace with rapid urban growth,
leading to inadequate housing, water and sanitation facilities, drainage systems, and transportation
networks.
Despite these challenges, urbanization also presents opportunities for economic growth, social
development, and improved quality of life. Efforts to address the environmental and infrastructure
challenges must be prioritized to ensure sustainable urban development. This requires comprehensive
planning, investment in infrastructure and services, and effective governance mechanisms.
Sustainable urban management encompasses various aspects aimed at ensuring the well-being of urban
inhabitants while preserving the environment for future generations. Here are some key points:
1. Integrated Planning: Sustainable urban management involves comprehensive and integrated
planning that considers environmental, social, and economic factors. This includes urban land use
planning, transportation planning, and infrastructure development aimed at minimizing
environmental impacts and maximizing efficiency.
2. Environmental Facilities: Providing sound environmental facilities such as waste management
systems, green spaces, clean water supply, and renewable energy sources is essential for creating a
healthy and sustainable urban environment.
3. Community-Friendly Development: Development activities should prioritize the needs and
preferences of local communities. This includes ensuring accessibility to basic amenities such as
healthcare, education, and affordable housing, as well as promoting cultural activities and social
programs that enhance community cohesion.
4. Conflict Resolution: Addressing conflicts within urban communities is crucial for promoting
social harmony and equitable access to resources and services. This involves fostering dialogue,
promoting inclusivity, and implementing policies and programs that mitigate social tensions and
inequalities.
5. Accessible Communication and Transportation: Sustainable urban management includes
ensuring accessible communication networks and transportation systems that facilitate connectivity
and mobility for all residents. This includes investing in public transportation, pedestrian and
cycling infrastructure, as well as digital connectivity to enhance communication and access to
information.
6. Environmental Sustainability: Sustainable urban management aims to minimize environmental
degradation and enhance resilience to climate change. This involves promoting sustainable
practices such as energy efficiency, waste reduction, green building design, and conservation of
natural resources.

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 7. Robust Governance: Effective urban management requires strong governance structures that are
transparent, accountable, and responsive to the needs of citizens. This includes fostering
partnerships between government, civil society, and the private sector, as well as ensuring adequate
financial resources and capacity-building initiatives.
8. Long-Term Capacity Building: Sustainable urban management necessitates long-term planning
and capacity building to ensure the resilience and adaptability of cities in the face of evolving
challenges. This includes investing in education, research, and innovation to develop sustainable
solutions and build the skills and knowledge base of urban stakeholders.
By focusing on these objectives, cities can achieve sustainable urban management that promotes the well-
being of current and future generations while safeguarding the environment and fostering inclusive and
resilient communities. ( Probal Barua, 2021)