Description

Keraniganj Upazila is one of the most important upazilas in Dhaka District for its geographical location and economic contribution to the country. It has seen a surge in industrial growth, particularly in the garment and textile industries, leading to a number of environmental and social challenges. To address these issues, the government and private sector are working together to develop a composite Action Area Master Plan to ensure sustainable development in Keraniganj. The core objectives of this plan are multifaceted and dynamic. The proposed master plan for Keraniganj would help revive the circular blue connectivity around Dhaka and Keraniganj and create an alternative mode of transportation for city dwellers because major rivers surround and entwine Keraniganj Upazila of Dhaka District. Successful redevelopments of urban waterfront areas have transformed the degraded zones into new urban leisure centers. By creating public access, walkways and open spaces, attractive landscaping and various land uses, the waterfronts become lively urban promenades. This Master Plan will also help the Keraniganj Upazila by protecting its low-lying lands from flooding during the monsoon. The Master Plan also aims at demarcating the borders of the canals to yield the optimum benefit. Among many, the Shuvaddhya, Shing and Chunkutia Canals are the most vital, as these canals connect the Buriganga River to the Dhaleshwari River. As these canals have long lost their purity and width, this project aims at restoring both the canals and their shorelines. The design includes canal restoration, sludge removal, shore protection, walkways, viewing decks, reconstruction of the existing vehicular bridge, open space, a park, eco island, etc. to make the canals and their surrounding areas a prime attraction spot. The proposed road network and redevelopment of Keraniganj will significantly off-burden Dhaka traffic through the construction of Padma Bridge and the N8 highway that runs through Keraniganj. A comprehensive design for roads and intersections are also part of this Master Plan. The projected road network will also enhance the connectivity of the various neighborhoods in Keraniganj. The commercial and economic zones, special economic zones are being prepared on the basis of existing field surveys and social analysis by the experts. The International Sports Complex and Academy, along with Abdul Hamid Stadium is one of the ambitious projects through which the local authority is trying to promote Keraniganj as a self-sustained upazila. Since residential areas surround the cricket stadium site, another goal of the project is to offer services for an appropriate and sustainable design for potential development around the proposed stadium areas. The Keraniganj Action Area Plan includes various types of parks throughout the area, such as urban parks, community parks, neighborhood parks and eco parks. Every time elders talk about their childhood, they mention the ample greenery they witnessed while growing up. The Keraniganj Action Area Plan is a vision to create ecological parks and water retention areas to preserve environmentally critical areas. Lastly, the neighborhood park is a space created specifically for the immediate neighborhood. These spaces provide opportunities for people to mingle in the neighborhood, creating better bonding and trust in interrelationships. The major brick fields near the Dhaleswari River will be converted into a beautiful, green Eco-Park. Sheikh Hasina Smart City is a designation given to a city that incorporates Information & Technologies (ICT) to enhance the quality and performance of urban services such as energy, transportation and utilities in order to reduce resource consumption, wastage and overall costs. The projected master plan for Keraniganj is a regenerative, sustainable, green, eco, resilient, low-impact, future-proofing, and zero-carbon city. It aims to address various issues such as traffic congestion, a lack of infrastructure, and poor living conditions. The development of a modern transportation system and the improvement of the area's infrastructure will provide better access to essential services, promote economic growth, and create job opportunities. Additionally, the preservation and development of green spaces and the improvement of the environment will have a positive impact on the health and well-being of the residents, improving their overall quality of life.