Urban Ecological and Environmental Transformation in Dhaka: A Case Study of Land Use Dynamics in Dhanmondi, Gulshan, Mohammadpur, and Savar
Keywords:
Dhaka urbanization, Ecological succession, Land use transformation, Urban ecology, Urban sustainabilityAbstract
Dhaka, one of the fastest-growing megacities in South Asia, exemplifies the rapid and often unplanned urbanization trends seen across the global south. Over recent decades, population pressures and economic growth have driven a significant shift in land use, transforming planned residential zones into congested commercial hubs. This case study explores the urban ecological processes particularly concepts of dominance, competition, and ecological succession underlying these changes, focusing on key neighborhoods such as Dhanmondi, Gulshan, Mohammadpur, and Savar. Through this lens, we interpret how market-driven forces have “invaded” and restructured the urban landscape, disrupting ecological balance, eroding green spaces, intensifying heat and flood risks, and displacing long-term residents. This article situates Dhaka’s experience within broader regional trends in Southeast Asia, offering comparative insights from similarly urbanizing cities to understand how unregulated growth can undermine both environmental resilience and social equity. Finally, we highlight policy recommendations to guide more sustainable urban growth emphasizing the need for stronger land use regulation, inclusive zoning practices, and the integration of green and blue infrastructure. Without such interventions, Dhaka risks ecological and livability collapse; with them, it can chart a more balanced and sustainable path forward.
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