Provision of Open Space in Manikganj Pourashava: a Study from Institutional Aspect

PROVISION OF OPEN SPACE IN MANIKGANJ POURASHAVA: A STUDY FROM INSTITUTIONAL ASPECT

SUBNIN JAHAN

MASTER OF URBAN AND REGIONAL PLANNING Department of Urban and Regional Planning

BANGLADESH UNIVERSITY OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY DHAKA, BANGLADESH AUGUST, 2013

PROVISION OF OPEN SPACE IN MANIKGANJ POURASHAVA: A STUDY FROM INSTITUTIONAL ASPECT

SUBNIN JAHAN

MASTER OF URBAN AND REGIONAL PLANNING Department of Urban and Regional Planning

BANGLADESH UNIVERSITY OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY DHAKA, BANGLADESH AUGUST, 2013

To My Beloved

Family

Acknowledgement

First and foremost, all praises belong to the almighty Allah which blessings help me to overcome the most difficult circumstances and giving me the opportunity and strength to carry out this enormous work.

I would never have been able to finish my thesis without the guidelines of my research supervisor Dr. Mohammad Shakil Akhter, Professor, Department of URP, Bangladesh University of Engineering & Technology (BUET), Dhaka, Bangladesh. I would like to express my gratitude to my research supervisor for his constructive suggestion, persistent encouragement, valuable advice, inspiration, constant guidance, patience and commendable guidance through the time.

My sincere gratitude and special thanks goes to Dr. Ishrat Islam, Professor, Department of Urban and Regional Planning, BUET for providing me valuable insights regarding my research. I want to express my deep admiration to Dr. Roxana Hafiz, Professor of Department of Urban and Regional Planning, BUET and Dr. A K M Abul Kalam, Professor of Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka for their constructive suggestion and valuable guidelines.

I express my sincere gratefulness to Mayor, Panel Mayor and all staffs of Manikganj Pourashava who spent their valuable time and provided support to collect data for the research. I would like to express my sincere thanks to the officials and professionals who took part to the interview with their valuable opinion, ideas time and sincere support.

My ever gratefulness and heartiest thanks to my friend Mohammad Atikul Islam, Deputy Urban Planner of Sheltech Consultants (Pvt.) Ltd for his continuous support to conduct the thesis. He always helped me a lot to keep my thesis in right track.

Finally, I am grateful to my parents, family members and friends for their continuous moral support and inspiration during the research work. My special thanks go to my husband Mr. Md Rashed, who was always beside me during the research work. Without his continuous support, inspiration, care and sacrifice it would not have been completed.

Abstract

Urban environment must constitutes viable, accessible and adequate open space which needs to proportional to its area and population. It is also necessary to understand what includes in a quality open space and the impediments to its creation in an urban environment. Proper planning, setting appropriate standard, creating, managing and maintaining of open space needs greater attention and care for open space provision. For this reason, making development plan/ master plan and ensuring guidelines for the provision of all types of open space is very important. Open space facilities includes various types of facilities, however major types that draws particular attention in this thesis includes park, , playground, stadium and water bodies. The research attempted to focus the condition of existing stock of open space and understand and investigate the issues surrounding planning, managing and maintaining open space of Manikganj Pourashava. Open space area investigated through a number of techniques such as questionnaire survey of user, Key Informant Interview (KII) with relevant authorities and professionals and Focus Group Discussion (FGD) to get real perception of open space. Manikganj is one of the secondary towns of Bangladesh which is growing very fast and unplanned urban growth would impede the sustainable urban growth of Manikganj. Pourashavas are the local government of small and medium sized town of Bangladesh and by law they are self-run institution to provide civic facilities to its citizens. However, unfortunately Pourashava cannot function properly for insufficient institutional structure. It is widely alleged that the urban local bodies suffer from financial resources constraint, Manikganj Pourashava is not exception of it. Due to inadequate financial resources and lack of proper institutional arrangement there is serious lack of proper open space provision. Compared to the standard of District Town Improvement Development Project (DTIDP) Manikganj Pourashava has shortage of 129 acres of land. It is observed that the maintenance of existing open space is very inadequate and user’s satisfaction level is also poor. It is identified that open space is a neglected aspect and gets less priority project to develop. Though by the Pourashava ordinance 2009, Pourashava is powered to provide all type of community facilities to its citizen including open space but there are many other institutions also linked with the provision of open space. However, there is lack of coordination and lack of interest among the national and local government to take open space development project. Manikganj Pourashava doesn’t have any master plan yet which is creating problem to preserve existing open space and to create new open space.

LIST OF ACRONYMS

BBS Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics BIP Bangladesh Institute of Planners CRDP City Region development Projects DAP Detail Area Plan DCC Dhaka City Corporation DMDP Dhaka Metropolitan Development Plan DTIDP District Town Infrastructure Development Plan FGD Focus Group Discussion GIS Geographical Information System LGED Local Government Engineering Department LGRD&C Local Government and Rural Development& cooperatives NRPA National Recreation and Park Association PWD Public Works Department RAJUK Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakhya (Capital Improvement Authority) SPSS Statistical Package for Social Scientist STIIFP Secondary Town Improvement Infrastructure and Flood Project UAP Urban Area Plan UDD Urban Development Directorate UGIIP Urban Governance Infrastructure Improvement Project UTIDP Upazila Town Infrastructure Development Plan

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Table of Content Table of Content Page no Acknowledgement i Abstract ii List of Acronyms iii Table of Content iv-xi List of Table x-xi List of Box x List of Map x List of Figure xi List of Photo x

Chapter 1: Introduction 1-5 1.1 Background 1-3 1.2 Objectives of the study 3 1.3 Scope and limitation of the study 3-4 1.4 Organization of the thesis 4-5

Chapter 2: Methodology and Research Design 6-14 2.1 Introduction 6 2.2 Review of relevant literature 6-8 2.3 Reconnaissance Survey 8 2.4 Data Collection Procedure 8 2.4.1 Primary data collection 8 2.4.1.1Questionnaire Survey 8-10 2.4.1.2 Key Informant Interview (KII) 10 2.4.1.3 Interviews with Professionals 11 2.4.1.4 Focus Group Discussion (FGD) 12 2.4.2 Secondary Data Collection 12 2.5 Data Analysis and Interpretation 12-14

2.6 Conclusion 14

Chapter3: Planning of Open Space 3.1 Introduction 15 3.2 Definition of Open Space 15 3.3 Importance of Open Space 15-16 3.4 Classification of Open Space 17 3.4.1 Neighbourhood Park 17 3.4.2 Playing Field 17 3.4.3 Linear parks 17 3.4.4 District and regional parks 17 3.5 Open space Planning 18 3.6 Open Space Design 18 3.7 Open Space Related Laws and Regulations in Bangladesh 19 3.8 Open Space Standards 20 3.8.1 Physical Plan of Metropolitan Cities 20 3.8.2 Dhaka Metropolitan Development Plan 21 3.8.3 Private Sector Residential Land Development Rules 22 3.8.4 Standard of Different Countries 23 3.8.5 Standard of Different Cities 24 3.8.6 Standard of Keeble for Open Space 24-25 3.8.7 LGED and UDD Specified Standard 25 3.8.8 District Infrastructure Development Project (DTIDP) 25 3.8.9 Upazila Infrastructure Development Project (UTIDP) 26-27 3.9 Institutional Aspect of the Authority (Pourashava) 27-32 3.9.1 Lack of Automation 28 3.9.2 Lack of Staffing and Training 28 3.9.3 Lack of Pourashava Town Planning Capacity 29 3.9.4 Lack of Legal Aspects and Weak Local Government 29 3.9.5 Low Penalty for Violation of Plan Provisions 29 3.10 Staffing and Capacity Development of Pourashava 29 3.10.1 Proposed Town Planning Department by Ministry of LGRD&C 30 3.10.2 Proposal of UGIIP, LGED for Town Planning Division 31 3.11 Conclusion 31-31

Chapter 4 Study Area Profile & Status of Open space in Manikganj Pourashava 4.1 Introduction 33 4.2 Geographical Description 33 4.3 Demographic Information 35 4.4 Urbanization in Manikganj 36 4.5 Existing Land Use 36-37 4.6 Planning of Manikganj Pourashava 37 4.6.1 Land use / Master plan, 1991 of Manikganj Pourashava 37 4.6.2 Municipal Infrastructure Development Plan, 2006 for Manikganj Pourashava 39 4.7 Stock of Open Space 41 4.8 Ward wise Distribution of Open Space 44 4.9 Accessibility of Open space 47 4.10 Service Area Coverage 49 4.11 Ownership of Open Space 56 4.12 Gap of Open Space Facilities 57 4.13 Existing Condition of Open Space 59 4.13.1 Play Ground 59 4.13.1 Play Ground 59 4.13.1.1 Physical and Environmental Condition of Playground 59 4.13.1.2 Maintenance of Playgrounds 60 4.13.1.3 Environmental Condition of Playground 61 4.13.1.4 School/ College Playground use Pattern 62 4.13.2 Park 62 4.13.2.1 Physical Condition of Park 62 4.13.2.2 Maintenance of Park 63 4.13.2.3 Environmental Condition of Parks 64 4.13.3 River Bank and Khal Side 64 4.13.4 Stadium 65 4.13.5 Informal Open Space 66 4.14 Level of Satisfaction of Open Space User 67 74.15 Conclusions 68

Chapter 5 Role of Pourashava in Providing and Managing Open Space and Potential Open Spaces 5.1 Introduction 69 5.2 Management and Maintenance of Open Spaces 69 5.2.1 Legal Responsibility of Manikganj Pourashava 69 5.2.2 Maintenance Agency 70 5.3 Identified Problems in Providing and Managing Open Spaces 71 5.3.1 Lack of Fund 71-72 5.3.2 Land Scarcity 73-74 5.3.3 Lack of Development Plan 73-74 5.3.4 Lack of Pourashava Manpower and Town Planning Capacity 74-75 5.3.5 Land Value 76 5.3.6 Lack of Land Acquisition Power 76 5.3.7 Complications to Access Government Khas land 77 5.3.8 Lack of Preservation of Natural Water Bodies 77-78 5.3.9 Low Land and Intensity of Flooding 78 5.3.10 Weak Local Government 79 5.3.11 Less Priority Project and Lack of Perception 79-80 5.3.12 Lack of Coordination among Different Authorities 80 5.4 Problem Tree of Open Space 81-82 5.5 Actors Involved in the Open Space Development 83 5.5.1 Institutions at local level 83-84 5.5.2 Institutions at National Level 84-85 5.6 Institutional Relationship among the Organization in Developing and Managing 85-86 Open Space 5.7 SWOT Analysis of Manikganj Pourashava to Provide and Manage Open Space 88-90 5.8 Potential Open Spaces 90-93 5.8.1 Stages of Potentiality Evaluation 90-91 5.8.2 Evaluation Criteria of Potentiality 91-92 5.9 Conclusion 94

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Chapter 6 Recommendation and Conclusion 95-104 6.1 Introduction 95 6.2 Findings of the Study 95-96 6.3 Recommendations 97-103 6.3.1 Finance for Open Space 97 6.3.2 Intervention of Planning Aspects 98 6.3.3 Maintenance of Existing Open Space 100 6.3.4 Awareness Generation 101 6.3.5 Execution of Laws 101 6.3.6 Arrange Proper Institutional Arrangement 102 6.4 Comprehensive Framework for Research 103 6.5 Conclusion 103-104 References 105-108 Annexures Annexure-1A Distribution of Open Space in Manikganj Pourashava 109 Annexure-1B Ward Wise Land Distribution of Maniganj Pourashava 110 Annexure 2A Questionnaire for Responsible Authority (Pourashava) 112-113 Annexure 2B Questionnaire for Responsible Authority (DC office, Zila Parishad, Sadar 114-115 District Office, Department of Environment) Annexure 2C Checklist for Focus Group Discussion 116-118 Annexure 2D Questionnaire for User’s Opinion Survey Park 119-120 Annexure 2E Questionnaire for User’s Opinion Survey for Playground 121-122 Annexure 2F Questionnaire for User’s Opinion Survey for Riverside 123-124 Annexure 2G Checklist for Interview with Academics/ Professionals 125-126 Annexure 3 A Filled Up Checklist for Interview with Professionals 127- 128 Annexure 3 B Filled Up Checklist for Interview with Professionals 129-131 Annexure 4 A Organogram of “A” class Pourashava 132 Annexure 4 B Ward wise Population of Pourashava according to Pourashva Record 133

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List of Tables Content of Table Page no Table 2.1: Summary of the sample size taken for the questionnaire survey 9 Table 2.2: Indicators and variables for user opinion on existing condition of open space 9-10 Table 2.3: List of the Key Informant Interview (KII) taken 11 Table 3.1: Standards for open space (in Acre/1000) in physical plans of metropolitan 21 cities of Bangladesh Table 3.2: Recommended open space in DAP for Dhaka 21 Table 3.3: Recommended area and size of open spaces for Dhaka city open space area 22 Table 3.4: Private sector residential land development rules 2004 23 Table 3.5 Different countries used standard for open space 23 Table 3.6: Open space standard recommended for different cities 24 Table 3.7: Standard of Lewis Keeble for open space 25 Table 3.8: LGED and UDD specified standard for open space 25 Table 3.9: Space standards for open space facilities under DTIDP 26 Table 3.10: Planning standards for open space under UTIDP 26 Table 3.11: Existing manpower provision of Pourashava 28 Table 4.1: Ward wise households and population distribution in Manikganj Pourashava 35 Table 4.2: Urbanization scenario in Manikganj Sadar Upazila 36 Table 4.3: Present land use pattern of Manikganj Pourashava 36 Table 4.4: Proposed land use of Municipal Infrastructure Development Plan (MIDP) of 38 Manikganj Pourashava Table 4.5: Area and number of open spaces in Manikganj Pourashava area 42 Table 4.6: Ward wise distribution of open space in Mankiganj Pourashava 44 Table 4.7: Ward wise distribution of open space in relation to population in Manikganj 45 Pourashava Table 4.8: Ward wise net population density with buffer area of open space 51 Table 4.9: Ownership pattern of open space 56 Table 4.10: Existing open space and gap with the standard 57 Table 4.11: Rating scale of acceptance level 67

Table 4.12: Mean of indicators of surveyed open space in Manikganj 67 Table 5.1: Manikganj Pourashava budget from 2008-20012 71 Table 5.2: SWOT analysis of open space provision of Manikganj Pourashava 88-90 Table 5.3: Potential location of open space in Manikganj Pourashava 92 List of Boxes Box No Page No Box No Page no Box- 4.1 60 Box-5.1: Key Informant Interview (Pourashava 72 Mayor) Box -4.2 60 Box-5.2: Key Informant Interview (Panel Mayor) 73 Box- 4.3 61 Box-5.3: Key Informant Interview (Upazila Nirbahi 74 Officer) Box- 4.4 62 Box-5.4: Key Informant Interview (General Secretary, 75 Bangladesh Institute of Planners) Box -4.5 63 Box-5.5: Key Informant Interview (Executive 76 Engineer of Pourashava Box -4.6 64 Box-5.6: Key Informant Interview (AC land Officer of 77 DC Office) Box -4.7 64 Box-5.7: Key Informant Interview (Research and 78 Development Officer of Department of Environment) Box -4.8 65 Box-5.8: Key Informant Interview (ADC of DC 78 Office) Box-5.9: Key Informant Interview (Chief Executive 79 Officer of Zila Parishad) Box-5.10: Key Informant Interview (Associate 80 Professor of Jahangirnagar University)

List of Map Title of Map Page no Map 4.1: Location Map of Manikganj Pourashava 34 Map 4.2: Existing Land Use of Manikganj Pourashava 40 Map 4.3: Location of Open space in Manikganj Pourashava 43 Map 4.4: Ward wise Distribution of open space in Manikganj Pourashava 47 Map 4.5: Accessibility of Open Space in Manikganj Pourashava 48

Map 4.6: Catchment area of Open Space in Manikganj Pourashava Area 50 Map 4.7: Coverage Area of Open Space Within Half a Mile Buffer 52 Map4.8: Coverage Residential Area of Open Space Within Half a Mile Buffer 53 Map 4.9: Open Space per Thousand Population of Manikganj Pourashava 55 Map 4.10: Gap of Open Space with Respect DTIDP Planning Standard in Manikganj 58 Pourashava Map 5.1: Potential Location of Open Space in Manikganj Pourashava List of Figures Name of Figures Page no

Figure 3.1: Town Planning Department for “A” Class Pourashava (proposed by 30 LGRD&C) Figure 3.2: Scope of work for town planning division 31 Figure 5.2: Problem tree of open space in Manikganj Pourashava 82 Figure 5.1 Venn- Diagram: Institution Relationship Analysis 87 List of Photos Photos Page no Picture 4.1: Lack of boundary wall 60 Picture 4.2 : lack of proper maintenance 60 Picture 4.3 : Debendro College Playground 61 Picture 4.4: Boy’s High School Playground 61 Picture 4.5: Swings and slides are broken 63 Picture 4.6: Lack of physical maintenance 63 Picture 4.7: Boat race on Kaliganga River 65 Picture 4.8: Kaliganga river scenic beauty 65

CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study Increasingly, it is realized that to make healthy urban environment must needs to include viable and accessible open space with many other aspects (Sutton, 2008). Therefore, urban planning takes into account the importance of preserving and maintaining open space very seriously. Urban planning not only focuses to develop and maintenance of open space but also directs to quality and quantity of open space and how it can be achieved. In this regard, proper planning, aesthetic and environmental design, appropriate standard and proper institutional and management system become urgent for the provision of new and existing open space.

Land and water in urban area that is not covered by buildings and undeveloped land in an urban area referred as open space (Gold, 1980). In 1987, Gehl mentioned that open space has also been described from a user’s point of view as being an arena that allows for different types of activities encompassing necessary, optional and social activities (Gehl, 1987).“Open space can provide room for service facilities such as parks and recreation areas and other extensive land using activities” (Jane, 1963).

Open space can be defined as un-built lands and water bodies within the city which provides environmental, social and economic benefits to the communities. It is used to recreation, scenic beauty, conservation purposes which offers ecological and aesthetic value to urban dwellers.

Open spaces have an important role in environmental, economic and social context as well as source of quality life and sustainability (Chiesura, 2004).It provides recreational areas for residents and helps to enhance the beauty and environmental quality of neighborhoods. Open spaces may be either public or private property. Preserving and maintaining open spaces in urban environments is considered a crucial aspect of fulfilling environmental quality goals and attaining a liveable city (Schopfer, 2004; Clark, 2006). Throughout the late nineteen and into the twenty century it was recognized the necessity of conserving open spaces within the urban centre and planning for open spaces became an integral part of land-use planning

(Maruani and Amit-Cohen, 2007). Nevertheless, many cities do not have adequate open spaces (Jim, 2004) and cities of Bangladesh are not exception in this regard. So it needs to pay attention on to create and maintenance of open space provision in urban area. This research will contribute to the importance of appropriate institutional aspects to manage open space and will direct the set of activities for open space management.

The urban population growth rate of Bangladesh is nearly 4.0% per annum which is comprised of 26% of the entire population of Bangladesh (Islam, 2011). Though the bulk of this growing urban population is mostly absorbed by primary cities (Dhaka, Chittagong, Khulna, Rajshahi) of the country. This study considers a case study of local environmental open space provision from an institutional aspect of Manikganj Pourashava which tries tomake understand of micro-level experience of an open space management and development.Manikganj is one of the secondary towns of Bangladesh which is growing very fast due to its proximity to Dhaka. Manikganj Pourashava is growing very fast and with population of 71,698 in 2011(BBS, 2011) and projected to reach nearly 120,000 by 2025. The Pourashava is 42.28 sq. km in size and located 64 km west to Dhaka with national highway connecting it with the capital city (Map 4.1). The Dhaka-Aricha highway (National Highway No R.504) runs centrally through the Pourashava. Since, Aricha being an important focal point as an inland waterways ferry port, it makes Manikganj Pourashava an important urban center.

According to the Pourashava Act of 2009, municipalities and city corporations are the urban local governments in Bangladesh. They are responsible to provide urban facilities and for planned development. Sometimes, Pourashava faces difficulty to manage the challenge of rapid urbanization, control over urban growth and large demand of open space because of institutional and organizational inefficiency, corruption, illegal political interference, lack of intention, lack of public participation, transparency and accountability and overall shortage of funds (LGD, 1998; Islam, 2009).On the other hand, Pourashava faces financial constraint due to lack of tax revenue collection. Pourashavas sometimes receive support of international financial institutions (e.g. World Bank, Asian Development Bank etc.) in implementing projects, like infrastructure improvement, slum improvement, poverty alleviation etc. However, there is rarely a project comes which targets to develop open space. The reason for this lies in failure to pay back project costs of open space projects.

The study of Islam (2009) finds that Pourashava authority does not want to spend any aid/ revenue to develop its open space. Most of the cases, the Pourashava authority and dwellers are seldom aware about the importance and need of open spaces. Though the government officials trying to make understand the local representatives (ward councilors) on to the significance of provision and maintenance open space but it acquires less importance in contrast to roads, drains and other infrastructure (Islam, 2009).

There are few studies conducted on open space of Bangladesh moreover, they have taken an account of some form of spatial perspective (Biswas, 2002; Hossain, 2004; Siddiqui, 1990). However, in these researches were paid little attention on the institutional aspect of open space especially at Pourashava level. These researches aimed and focused to provide a broad framework for the planning, design and implementation, guidelines formulation of open space provision and management.

It is therefore, necessary to conduct some research and study which may indicate the possibility to preserve integrate plan for open space for better living urban environment. A series of works emphasized on pattern, impact of recreation facility, environmental aspect, problems and potentials of recreation facilities in Dhaka city. But rarely the issues of institutional aspect of management and provision of open space came into force. Therefore, the study attempts to reveal the institutional role and problem with the provision and management of open space in Pourashava level.

1.2 Objectives of the Study

The purpose of this research is to provide a preliminary account of the existing open space and institutional role and issues to manage the open space in Manikganj Pourashava. Bearing this in mind, followings have been set as objectives of the thesis

1. To assess the status of open space in Manikganj Pourashava. 2. To assess the role of Pourashava in providing and managing open space.

The study is broadly structured to understand the open space planning context in Manikganj Pourashava and to analyse the quality of open space with the standards and criteria. Moreover, it focuses onto the extent and role of Pourashava on open space provision with the major strengths and weakness. This study aims to assess the management system of the open

3 spaces and finally propose a better management approach which will be helpful in future management.

1.3 Scope and Limitation of the Study

Open space planning and managing in Pourashava can make understanding in both local leaders and community people about the enormous benefits of planned open space management. This study explored the present status and prospects of open space in Pourashava and requirement to set up more stronger institutional role to protect and provide new sites for open space This paper focused on to assess the open space situation, satisfaction level and analyzed the opinions of many interest group from different point of views. This study tried to find that though Manikganj Pourashava has enough potentiality to develop open space and revealed the reason of disinterest and failure to do. The research also analyzed the data through existing stock of open space and the gap between different standards, land use coverage and ward wise distribution variations. Data also analyzed with the ward wise population density with open space buffer area as well as measures service area and coverage of existing open space within half a mile buffer. However due to unavailability of land ownership data it was not possible to conduct a suitability analysis for potential open space

This study focused on to identify the national and local institutions role and relation with Pourashava to develop open space. As well as this research developed guidelines to develop open space in Pourashava level and it would contribute to increase the stock of open space. From this study one can get clear identification about the institutional aspect of open space of a secondary town.

While conducting the study it is found that there was not available adequate secondary data, especially the land use data of Manikganj Pourashava. This research has not analyzed the location analysis of existing open space and didn’t do trend analysis due to resource constraints. Data unavailability hindered precise data analysis, population projection, and future need of open space facilities and future potential location of open space in Manikganj Pourashava area. Moreover, there is no literature of open space from institutional perspective. Furthermore, in case of direct interview of official respondents and authorities, they were not too much helpful with such type of research. The responsible authorities are not interested to provide proper information in this regard. The study was conducted based on primary

4 information collected by interviews, questionnaire survey and formal talks. Sometimes provided information and data from respondents were not much accurate and sufficient.

1.4 Organization of the Thesis

This explorative research comprises of six chapters organized in an appropriate framework

Chapter 1 presented the introduction of the research area with background, and focuses on the importance of open space in urban area development. The chapter explains the scope and rationale of the research for open space in Manikganj Pourashava. The research objectives, scope and limitation of the study, expected outcomes, rationale of the study and thesis organization are also presented in this chapter.

Chapter 2 discussed the overall research design, different methods and techniques available and those used in the research. It discusses the rationale for choosing certain methods and gives an overview of the research design and process followed in this research.

Chapter 3briefly overviewed theoretical background &literature review. It describes the definition of terms, several planning standard and related land use and legislative measures have been enacted for open space planning development. This chapter basically reviews standards, policies, laws and regulations of open space and it also described the common aspects of Pourashava to deliver its services to citizens.

Chapter 4described study area land use profile and presents the existing condition of open space facilities in Manikganj Pourashava. It covers user perspective views to analyze existing condition and institutional management and maintenance aspects of open space.

Chapter 5 discussed the role and problems of Pourashava to manage and providing open space to the locality. The strengths, weakness, opportunities and threats of Pourashava to maintain and manage open space have been described. Basically it covers the respective institutional role and views of open space in secondary town. Moreover, this chapter also focused to analyze the potential of open space in Manikganj Pourashava.

The concluding Chapter 6 presented the overview of the research, key research findings, recommendations and conclusion. It also explains the key contribution of the research in literature and future scope of work in this area.

CHAPTER 2

METHODOLOGY AND RESEARCH DESIGN

2.1 Introduction The elements of the research design including the methodological issues of the research has been discussed in this chapter. This study is an exploratory qualitative research. The qualitative technique was applied as it is best suited to understanding the opinions on open space provision and this technique is used to get a deeper understanding about the user’s opinion and a fuller understanding of the complexities of open space provision. This researchis based on primary data and published secondary data, information regarding budgets, land use, reports on planning issues were collected from ManikganjPourashava. In addition interview with concerned people inthe municipal governments and other related authorities were conducted. These information were supplemented through user survey to understand the user’s perspective of open space.

In order to understand the issues associated with institutional role in managing open space, a comprehensive qualitative analysis was carried out. The collected data from field survey, interviews with official personnel and data of focus group discussion have been analyzed to explore theopen space condition and to improve the management provision of open space.

2.2 Review of Relevant Literature

Toconduct any research, literature review is very important becauseit helpsto get basic knowledge and idea about the research topic. Moreover, it refines research question by articulating the knowledge gap and it provides an opportunity to identify the distinctive contribution of proposed researchand that will make a rationale and justification for the study. Literature review isthe most important to identify the problem of the study and to collect related information and data.

Open space related research works in Bangladesh that havebeen taken account of some form of spatial perspective (Siddiqui, 1990; Biswas, 2002; Hossain, 2004; Kabir, 2004; Hassan, 2008; Islam, 2009). But in most cases they do not adequately address the institutional aspect of open space especially in Pourashava. Moreover, the researches were focused on larger cities (i.e.Dhaka, Chittagong and Khulna) and tried to find out the problems, prospects, condition, fixed facilities, patterns and trends aspects of open space, parks and playgrounds.

One of the first works on open space is done by Sabeha Ally (1980). Her thesis focused on the existing recreational patternand established relation betweenincome and needs for recreationand also emphasized on the needs for recreational facilities for women and middle income group. She considered open space as one of element of recreational facilities.

Jahan and Siddique (1996) in their study analyzed the condition, use and maintenance of parks and playgrounds in Dhaka city. On the other hand, Hossain (2002) tried to find out the existing status of proposed open spaces and water bodies of 1961 master plan of Chittagong City. The study found that “currently it has open space average of 0.066 acres per 1000 population and mentioned it has failed miserably to promote the development of parks, playfields and other amenity open spaces”.

The study of Hassan (2008)focused on the existing stock, present status of accessibility, distribution of open space in Chittagong City Corporation Area. He analyzed the demand, demand supply gap and potential locations of open spaces.The study found that “Chittagong has a huge shortage of open spaces, currently has only 302.2 acres of open spaces for about 2.35 million people however, only 132.72 acres of land is somewhat accessible for people.

The study of Islam (2009) has addressed the trend of outdoor recreation facilities, explore the potential sites for open space and it identifies the problems that hampers the development of outdoor recreation facilities of Savar municipality. This study gave the idea how to create new and renovate existing open space as well as it explained the problems of municipality authority to provide open space. This is one of the few researches which looked at open space

7 issue from small municipality perspective. However there is no research in Bangladesh which consider issues of open space from institutional perspective.

There is abundant number of researches in abroad on open space.The study of Neilson et al. (2003) discussedtherole of public sector in the United States to growing concern about the social and environmental costs of sprawling development patterns by creating a wide range of policy instruments designed to manage urban growth and protect open space. The study found that lack of empirical evaluations of growth management policies and administrative efficiency and other details ofpolicy implementation are main concerned issues. Francis et al. (2006) pays particular attention to how open space can be designed and managed as green community places and encourage public engagement. For parks and open spaces, community engagement allows public officials to directly involve their constituencies in the ongoing design, planning, and management of these resources. Sutton (2008) found what constitutes in a quality open space and the impediments to its creation. The focus of this thesis was to further understand the issues surrounding planning and management of open space in the Msunduzi Municipality in South Africa.

2.3 Reconnaissance Survey

A reconnaissance survey was conducted in Manikganj to learn about location of open space and their management.This work identified the availability of data, source of data and mechanism for collecting the data from field.

2.4 Data Collection Procedure During reconnaissance survey it was recognized that all the data needed for the research could not be collected through traditional methods like questionnaire survey, physical survey. Instead of using questionnaire survey alone, the survey used qualitative method like KII and FGD for collection of primary data to fulfill the need of the research.

2.4.1 Primary Data Collection

2.4.1.1 Questionnaire Survey

Information on total number of open spaces, size and locations including maps were collected from Manikganj Pourashava. Since, numbers of open spaces are very limited in Manikganj Pourashava area, the four sites were selected. To select the sites some principles were

8 considered such as location, condition, size and importance of the sites to the users. To collect necessary information about the present status of open space and their management systemsphysical survey was conducted of eighty (80) users from four selected sites (Table 2.1). The survey was conducted usinga semi structuredthree differentquestionnaire for playgrounds, park and riverside which are provided in Annexure (Annexure 2D, 2E, 2F)

Table 2.1: Summary of the sample size taken for the questionnaire survey Sl No Type Name Sample Size

1. Park Children Park 20

2. Playground Govt. Boys High School Playground 20

3. Playground Government Debendro College Playground 20

4. Riverside Beutha River Bank 20

The questionnaire mainly focuses on the followings; -Purpose of the users to use/ pass the spaces; - Extent/ duration and time of use; - Age of users; - User’sopinion of existing condition and management performance using four (4) different indicators; 1) Management performance of institution 2) Amenities quality and performance 3) Safety and security 4) Environmental indicator with a number of variables.

- User’s suggestion to develop open space

Table 2.2: Summary of Indicators and variables for user opinion on existing conditionof open space

Indicator Variables Ranking Indicator Variables Ranking Management Maintenance Physical Size of open performance of of open space condition, space institution Amenities quality and performance

Cleanliness Lights Budget Toilet facility Professional Playing

maintenance instrument staff Safety and security Anti-social Drinking water activity Mugging Boundary wall Drug taking Play Equipment Begging, Swing kidnapping Slide Environmental Air quality Other equipment indicator Vegetation Sitting arrangement Odor Noise Temperature Mosquito Hawker Crowded area

The analysis of the survey has been presented in the chapter 5 with some case studies of interviewed user’s opinion on open space. Moreover, the information of interview has been analysed by measuring the satisfaction level using the performance indicator with rating scale. Furthermore, descriptive analysisand statements were made for findings and conclusions.

2.4.1.2 Key Informant Interview (KII) The management systems have been assessedthrough field survey and interview with the key informant interviews(KII) of responsible authorities and professionals.Total ten interviews were taken from key informant, among them five interviewees were selected from five key institutions of Manikganj. The questionnaire was used to take interview has given in the Annexure (Annexure 2A, 2B and 2G).

Table 2.3: List of Key Informant Interview (KII) of different institution SL No Key Informant Designation Institution

1. Mayor ManikganjPouraashava

2. Panel Mayor ManikganjPouraashava

3. Executive Engineer ManikganjPouraashava

4. Chief Executive Officer SadarUpazila, Manikganj

5. Additional Deputy Commissioner Deputy Commissioner (DC ) Office

6. AC land officer Deputy Commissioner (DC ) Office

7. Chief Executive Officer ZIlaParishad

8. Environment Officer Dept. of Environment

9. Professor Dr. Akter Mahmud General Secretary, Bangladesh Institute of Planners

10. Associate Professor, Golam Head, Department of Urban and Moinuddin PhD Regional Planning, Jahangirnagar University

Another two interviews have been conducted with academician and representative of professional on existing condition and institutional arrangement of open space on secondary town.The summary of the interview has been presented as individual Key Informant Interview (KII)in the chapter 5 to find out the problems of open space in institutional settings.

2.4.1.3 Focus Group Discussion (FGD) To complement the survey and to better understand the need of the users and to gather existing condition, proposals for future development and institutional set up of management four (4) Focus Group Discussions (FGD) were conducted in the four sites..In each FGDs 8-10 persons have participated.A semi open ended questionnaire were carried out with the user groups on their views of the existing facilities and these discussion give the perception of the users of the different socio economic groups to understand their ideas about open space.

The issues related to roles and responsibilities, needs for improvement, related policies and regulations were focused in the discussion session of the interviews. This process revealed the institutional aspect of open space facilities and what are the strength, weakness, opportunity, threats (SWOT) to improve open space provision. Interviews with users and professionals were conducted in order to get some very important planning and management related information and suggestions of open space provisions.

2.4.2 Secondary Data Collection Secondary data is the data that have been already collected by and readily available from other sources. Population data, land use data, state of the Pourashava were collected from secondary sources such as census, Pourashava archive and different reports.Some necessary information like annual budget, annual taxes and revenue income, and annual income and expenditures of the Pourashavas were collected from the Pourashava office. Moreover, different data and information considered to be useful were taken into account while – physically visiting the Pourashavas. Maps were collected from various secondary sources too. All these data and information were then accumulated and organized depending on importance and justification of the research.

2.5 Data Analysis and Interpretation

The research has two primary objectives. To achieve the first objective i.e. to determine the status of open space, basic quantitative technique and spatial analysis were performed using statistical and GIS software.Satellite image have been used to determine the existing open space available as well as other land use and water bodies have been extracted from the satellite images. Existing stocks are identified from the GIS database of base map of Manikganj Pourashava prepared by LGED in Municipal infrastructure plan (MIDP) during UGIIP project. A separate GIS database for the open space was created. In this database different type of attributes like type, name, location (ward), area, accessibility and maintenance agency were incorporated. Verification was done through Google earth. To identify the condition of existing open space accessibility assessment, catchment area of open spaces has been identified. To measure the role of Pourashava in open space management performance indicator has been used.

Existing statusof the open space has been assessed through different local, national and international standard of open space and through questionnaire survey. Data analyzed through existing stock of open space and the gap between different standards, land use coverage and ward wise distribution variations. Data also analyzed with the ward wise population density with open space service area and coverage of existing open space within half a mile. Problem tree were prepared to provide and present of all the known causes and effects to the open space problem.

Basic analysis, table and chart generation were done through Statistical Package for Social Statistics (SPSS) software. Also Microsoft Excel was used to generate tables and diagrams. Finally, Microsoft Word MS used to present the tables and diagrams in the report.All maps were created using ArcGIS 10 and ArcView 3.2a software. GIS data source of this research is Manikganj Pourashava. Standard map layout, legend, map compositions were developed by consultation with the research supervisor and board members. To make digital data and different layer of maps used point, line, polygon features for spatial data. The data were managed using layer based approach technique. Every layer are thematic and reflects either a particular use or a characteristic of the landscape. To link spatial data and attribute data it needed integration of existing databases with graphics by the allocation of a unique identifier to each feature in the GIS. All surveyed open spaces were incorporated into the digitized and geo-referenced mouzamaps. Then finally land use map of Manikganj Pourashava was created.

Problem tree has been used to identify the problem of open space of Manikganjand to identify the root causes of the problem.It creates the list of all the causes and effects that are associated with the lack of open space and then both causes and effects are arranged in hierarchy. The hierarchy was made based on the feedback of all interviews. On the other hand to determine the role of Pourashava in managing the open space different tools have been exercised along with narrative analysis technique. SWOT analysis was used to determine and strength and weakness of Pourashava. Venn diagram was used to determine the relationship of different actors in providing and managing open space.For additional interpretation case study analyses of user’s perception have been used and Key Iinformant Interview have also been used. Venn diagram shows the areas of activity of different

13 development agencies, overlaps, membership, ranking of problems and priorities of different institutions and agencies. It also discusses the problem hierarchies of different agencies. The diagram is based on the perception of local people and based on interview of different responsible institution officials.

2.6 Conclusion

This chapter discusses the research design, different methods and techniques those used in the research. It gives an overview of the research design and process followed. Since, this research attempts to involve users perception and direct institutional opinion, it was adopted using different techniquese.g. direct observations, questionnaire survey, focus group discussion, interviews, Geographical Information System (GIS), Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS)etc. In order to get real scenario of open spaceand to make assessment and analysis of open space a through field investigation and landuse survey and mapping exercise was conducted under the research.

CHAPTER 3

PLANNING OF OPEN SPACE SPACE

3.1 Introduction

Open space is an important class in land use classification. It not only provides health benefits for city dwellers but also act as an important element of city’s environmental system. This chapter describes the definition of terms, importance of open space, types of open space, several planning standard and related land use and legislative measures have been enacted for open space planning and development.

3.2 Definition of Open Space

Many academic fields, a variety of different authors and thinkers have used a range of definitions relating to open space. In 1963 Tankel has suggested that “open space is not only the land, or water on the land in and around urban areas, which is not covered by buildings, but is also the space and the light above the land” (Tankel, 1963). It has also been described from a user’s point of view as being an arena that allows for different types of activities encompassing necessary optional and social activities (Gehl, 1987).

Many descriptions of open space are also narrow and do not capture all possible components. Bengston et al. (2004) use the term open space to refer to “all natural resource lands, including farmland and timberland, wildlife habitat and wetlands as well as scenic sites, wilderness areas, historic and cultural resources and recreation areas” (Bengston et al., 2004). In contrast to this, the Johannesburg Metropolitan Open Space System (JMOSS) report defines natural open spaces as being those undisturbed natural and undeveloped areas that remain within the urban centre.Increasingly, it is understood that healthy cities must include, among many other aspects, viable and accessible open space in urban nature. Open space can also influence aesthetic values, and the broader perception of the whole city (Duhem, 2005). Rogers (1999) describes“A clear articulation of public spaces connects neighborhoods to each other and link people within localities to their social institutions and they also establish a balance between people and their environment” (Rogers, 1999). Nabi (1978) described it as all private and public landsthat are open in character and can be used as aplace for open air

15 recreation that may include from a small playlot to vast hunting grounds as open space. More than just parks and play fields, open space consist of all “wonder able” land such as may be found on college campuses, school campuses or agricultural areas (Nabi, 1978).

In New York State Open Space plan defined land, which is not intensively developed for residential, commercial, industrial or institutional use. It can be publicly or privately owned and includes agricultural and forest land, undeveloped shorelines, undeveloped scenic lands, public parks and preserves. It also includes water bodies such as lakes and bays (Open Space Plan, New York State, 2009).

So it can be said, open space is any piece of land that is used as parks, community gardens, schoolyards, playgrounds, areas of water body such as rivers, canals, lakes which offer opportunities for sport and recreation. It provides recreational areas for residents and helps to enhance the beauty and environmental quality of neighborhoods.

3.3 Importance of Open Space

According to Hossain(2002) open spaces can meet human and environmental needs. Human needs are relief from congestion, physical need for healthand happiness, psychological need for openness and recreational and leisure need. Environmental and ecological needs consist of protection of historical and other important urban sites.Nabi (1978) explained that open spaces are linked between man and nature. They give relief from urban monotony of urban life. They are the main solution of the recreational problem exists in the urban life. He divided open space active and passive in two ways. Open spaces required at least they can absorb sustainable amounts of rain water and flood water and it has importance in the event of earthquake.

It provides a number of health, environmental, ecological, social, and economic benefits to communities. The environmental benefits of preserving open space include natural water filtration, removal of noise and air pollutants, habitat preservation, groundwater recharge and temperature reduction, preserving flood zones, fish and wildlife conservation, tree canopy , greenhouse gas emissions, waste and materials management. Social benefits includes active and passive recreation opportunity, social cohesion,encourages social interaction and development of social skills, improves social networks and social capital and safer communities historic site preservation, and quality of life. Economic benefits relate high

16 property value and job creation to the locality.Open spaces can provide a buffer between housing developments and busy roadways. Trails for hiking, biking, and walking provide recreational opportunities and can create stronger community ties which ensures social benefit.

3.4 Classification of Open Space

Parks and open space vary in size, form and the functions that they perform. A strategic approach is needed in assessing the needs of a community and planning an open space network. Public open space is usually categorized into a hierarchy of neighborhood, district and regional open space and can be used for either passive or active recreation (Thompson, 2008). The hierarchy mentioned by Thompson (2008) is Neighborhood parks and District and Regional parks.

3.4.1 Neighbourhood Park

Provide for regular local use and may include small areas of open space that are accessible to local residents, generally providing for recreation such as children’s play and relaxation, which also can provide an identity and a sense of place for a community especially where it incorporates an important landscape feature or historic characteristic (Thompson, 2008)

3.4.2 Playing Field

Playing fields for organised sport (from 1ha to 3ha in size) which can also be used for walking and informal activities, and playing games (Thompson 2008).

3.4.3 Linear parks Linear parks linking areas of open space. These often follow drainage lines or environmental corridors and can incorporate off road shared pedestrian and cyclist paths (Thompson 2008).

3.4.4 District and regional parks

District and regional parks are larger and cater to the needs of a broader population. The types of parks may include. district playing fields that provide for a range of active, organised sport and recreation such as football/soccer fields, cricket pitches, tennis courts, baseball fields and the likewaterfront and other regional parks for social gatherings, such as picnics, recreation and education, and reserved for cultural or environmental retention (Thompson 2008).

However, functionally open space can be classified in eight categories- Recreation Trails and Parkways, Stream and Canal Corridors, Natural Resources, Public Space, River and Stream Parkways, Historic or Archeological Sites and Areas that shape community character or design (Sacramento County, 1993).

Open space includes various types of facilities, however major types that draws particular attention for city planners while preparing physical plans for cities mainly includes open space, different types of park, play field, playground, playlot, sport complex (stadium) and water bodies. For this study park, playground, stadium, water body and other open spaces have been taken into consideration.

3.5Open space Planning

Planning is vital to the success of effort to develop and conserve of open space. According to Bellevue park and open space plan, 2010 a strategic approach is needed for open space planning which contains the community's long-range vision for acquisition and development of open space. It also sets the standards for how open space will be operated and maintained over time. The most important part of careful planning is the user age group consideration and demand analysis of citizen. Open space planning and design needs population projection for future development. Public involvement in the planning process gives the public ample opportunity to be involved in plan development and adoption process. Fundamental to good planning is the collection of good quality and quantity data which will strengthen the results of the planning effort. It will have good consensus with the budget prioritizing needs and actions. Any planning proposal should be realistic and consistent with the budget.

3.6 Open Space Design

Open space design development is a creative form of subdivision and installation of equipment and facilities designing to conserve open space. It gives the basic principle to develop a portion of the site and the retaining the remainder the site as unbuilt open space (Halifax RMP, 2014). All types of water course, wetland, scenic view, forest and heritage should be conserved.

The rule of thumb of open space is to design the open space network as an integral part of the urban structure and offer a variety of safe and attractive spaces that are well distributed throughout a neighborhood and that are accessible, connected and cater to the sporting and recreation needs of the community (Sunjara, 2008).Preventing and correcting hazardous conditions are major considerations of the park maintenance and renovation programs.

An important aspect of pleasant and welcoming open space is to design through embellishments proper landscaping. Furthermore, the slope of open space site is the most critical element need to consider.Moreover, other amenities setting like seats, drinking fountains lightingshade are very important. Proper amenities fixation makes ambience, comfort, color, vistas, safety security emergency preparedness and natural components enable more strength and sustainable (Sunjara, 2008). Depending on the site size and the age of children, two more units (baby/toddler) area should be considered in open space design.

Proper landscaping and vegetation, makes open space aesthetically pleasant. A number of play items swings, climbers, sandboxes, free-standing slides, and spring riders are typical of independent play activities that can be added to enhance the playground. Hard surfacing such as asphalt and concrete are not considered suitable for use according to the Canadian Standards Association for Playgrounds. Surfacing of playground should not be risky for children.

3.7Open Space Related Laws and Regulations in Bangladesh

There is no specific law or regulation for open space development in Bangladesh. However, development and protection of open space is interwoven in some of the laws and regulation. According to the Pourashava Act of 2009, Municipalities and city corporations are the urban local governments in Bangladesh, they are responsible to provide urban facilities and for planned development. Local Governance (Pourashava) Ordinance, 2009 entrusted Pourashavas to look after the open spaces, gardens, parks and forest within the secondary town area. Pourashavas have to conserve, provide, maintain and plan of open space, garden and tree plantation. It is clearly mentioned that Pourashava should supervise the open space or playground for recreation of the dwellers. Pourashava can undertake development projects for the welfare of the parks, play grounds, parks and play lots however, Pourashava cannot change the land use of open spaces. 19

According to Wetland Conservation and Open Space Protection Act, 2000 “any land having such use as play field, park and natural reservoir cannot be changed or cannot be used for any other purpose(s)”.Government promulgated “Building Construction Rule 2007” will create some open space because there is must open space provision according to the size of land.

According to the section 10(g) of the Bangladesh Sports Council Act, 1974, “prescribed authority will responsible for maintenance and construction of such sports facilities as stadium, gymnasium, swimming pools, playgrounds, training and coaching centres”. Same activities enforced by the Local Government and by the individual authority sometimes make confusion to the authority.

In the private sector residential land development rules 2004 states that in order to make the environment of the private residential areas healthy and entertaining, space should be allocated on the basis of population. But this document lacks the specific space allocation per family/children; as a result there is no controlling mechanism for the planning approval authority to keep the provision of space (Bangladesh Gazette, 2004).

3.8 Open Space Standards Open space standard is a guideline to determine land requirements for various kinds of park and recreation facilities. Standard is basis for relating recreational needs to spatial analysis to justify the need for parks and open space within the overall land-use pattern of a region or community.Identification of proper standards for open space facilities always poses challenges for urban planners and policy makers for many reasons(land scarcity, high land value, rapid and unplanned urban growth etc.). However, there is presently no broadly recognized standard for open space in use either in Bangladesh or elsewhere. The standards are interpreted according to the particular situation to which they are applied and specific local needs. There are, however, some guidelines for standards, particularly quantitative open space standards, which can be quite useful.

3.8.1 Physical Plan of Metropolitan Cities Dhaka Master Plan 1959 was first attempt in Bangladesh to provide a standard for open space. A total area of 4 acres per 1,000 people was proposed. Of these 2 acres were

20 recommended in the form of park and 2 acres for open space. Moreover, DMDP (1995-2015) for Dhaka, Khulna City Master Plan (2001-2010), Rajshahi Urban Area Plan, (2004-2024), Barishal Master Plan (2010-2030) has recommended open space standard for the respective city development. Chittagong Metropolitan Master Plan, 1995- 2015 has proposed standard for Local park 0.12 acres and 0.08 for playground for per 1000 population.

Table 3.1: Standards for open space (in Acre/1000) in physical plans of metropolitan cities of Bangladesh Dhaka Chittagong Khulna City RajshahiUrban Area Barishal Metropolitan Metropolit Master Plan, Plan /Functional Master Development plan, an Master 2001-2010 Master Plan Plan2010- 1995-2015 Plan, 1995- 2030 2015

0.16 acre/ 1000 0.12 acre/ 2 acre/ 1000 1.5 acres / 1000 1 acre/ 1000 1000 population population population population population

Source: DMDP Project, 1995; CMMP, 1995, Khulna Master Plan, 1999; Rajshahi Metropolitan Development Plan, 2004; Barishal Master Plan, 2010.

3.8.2 Dhaka Metropolitan Development Plan Dhaka Metropolitan Development Plan of 1995 proposes for 4 acres of open space for 25000 people, thus indicating a standard of 0.16 acres of open space per thousand population. However, during finalization of DAP takes consideration the population pressure of Dhaka, the technical working committee proposed following standard for open space in Dhaka.

Table 3.2: Recommended open space in DAP for Dhaka

Amenity Proposed Standard

Active Play Field/ Ground 0.5 acre/25,0001

Neighborhood Park 1.5 acre/ 10,0001 Passive Metro Park 25 acre / 100,0001

Source: Report of Technical Working Group for DAP Review Committee, 2009

As per the standard DMDP area for active recreational facilities i.e. for playground/play field 0.5 acres was proposed for 25000 population. In case of neighborhood Park 1.5 acres area was suggested for 10,000 population. And for metro park 25 acres area suggested for 100000 population.

Nabi (1978) suggested the following space requirement and sizesof open spaces for outdoor recreation of Dhaka city.

Table 3.3: Recommended area and size of open spaces for Dhaka city open space area Open Space Area Area* Size Standard Size (Minimum) Ideal Maximum

Play 50 sq.ft/child 0.5 acres 5,000 sq.ft. - 2,500 sq.ft. lot./child

Play ground 100 sq.ft./child (6- 1.5 acres 3 acres 5 acres 2 acres 14 yearsage)

Play field 600 1.5 acres 10 acres 20 acres - sq.ft./person(15+)

Local park 300 sq.ft./ person 2 acres - 50 acres 5 acres

City Park - 0.5 acres 100 acres - 30 acres

Stadium and - One center 50 acres 50 acres 5 acres sports center of 30 acre**

* per 1000 population, ** per 5,00,000 population

(Source: Nabi, 1978)

Ahmed (2010) suggested 1.3 acres and 0.5 acres per 1,000 persons considering the existing provision of parks and public playgrounds in cities ofBangladesh. Moreover, Hamid (2001) suggested 2 acres per 1,000 population which is similar to that of Indian cities (Hamid 2001, Ahmed, 2010) which is shown in the table 3.5.

3.8.3Private Sector Residential Land Development Rules In the private sector residential land development rules 2004 states space allocated on the basis of population (Table 3.4).

Table 3.4 : Private sector residential land development rules 2004 Community Size of Population Facility /1000 Facilities population(Acres)

2,500 10,000 15,000 50,000 50,000 5,000 20,000 25,000 1,00,000 1,50,000

Playground/ 0.5 1.0 1.0 1.2 1.6 2.0 4.0 8.0 12.0 0.08 Playfield

Park 0.5 1.0 1.5 1.8 2.4 3.0 6.0 12.0 18.0 0.12

Source: PRLDR, 2004

3.8.4Standard of Different Countries

The standards for various types of open space (play lot, playground, playfield and park) varies across different cities and countries because of different population density, socio- economic status, land use, pressure on land and planning context. Other countries also developed standard for open space shows in table 3.5 and it varies considerably depending upon socio-economic condition, population density and pressure on land.

Table 3.5 Different countries used standard for open space

Amenity (population Delhi Hong Kuala served by an acre of Karachi Kong Lumpur land)

District Park (Open Space) 2,024 11,561 -16,260 418

Neighborhood Park 4,046 2.024 4,048

Local Park 4,046 4,000

Local Play area 4,065 4,048

Source: Planning Information and Technical Administration Unit (2008), Pejabat Menteri Kementerian Wilayah Persekutuan (2004), Master Plan Group of Offices (2007), Delhi Development Authority, (2008). 3.8.5Standard of Different Cities Planning standard for community facilities generally varies for different countries and cities. It needs detail assessment to apply any standard of other country because perspective and demand for facilities can vary.

Table 3.6: Open space standard recommended for different cities City Type of open space Area Population served

Indian cities Public play fields 1.5 acre 1.000

Park 2.0 acre 1.000

Iraqi cities School play ground 0.8acre 1.000

Pakistani cities Parks and play fields 1.3 acres 1.000

Greater London Schools 3 acres 1.000

Parks 1 acres 1.000

Play fields 6 acres 1.000

Singapore Open space 2.5 acres 1.000

Source: Hamid, 2002 and Keeble, 1969

3.8.6Standard of Keeble for Open Space Lewis Keeble (1969) emphasized on the provision of the right amount of land for each use in the right place and on sites physically suited for each use. He expressed his concern for setting standards by allocating space as it is difficult to translate the standards to the actual number of children being served as different games need different space standards and numbers of players. Keeble (1969) also suggested having playgrounds and parks mingled in one space to have greater flexibility in the use of land.

Table 3.7: Standard of Keeble for open space Type of Open Space Area Population served

Play lot 2000-5000 sq.ft 100-200 families

Neighborhood play ground 1 acre 2000 population

Play field 12-20 acre 4-5 neighborhood

Park 2.5 acre 1,000 population

Source: Keeble, 1969

3.8.7LGED and UDD Specified Standard It should be in mind that the above mentioned standards (Table 3.7) are for densely populated primary cities and definitely maintaining this standard for secondary towns like Manikganj Pourashava may not be applicable. Since 2008, Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) and Urban Development Directorate (UDD) have taken master plan projects to develop secondary and tertiary towns.

Table 3.8: LGED and UDD specified standard for open space

Category LGED standard UDD standard

1. Cinema hall/ closed 0.5 acres per 0.5 acres per 20000 space 20000population served population served

2. Sports stadium 3 acres per 20000 population 3 acres per 20000 population served served

3. Parks and open space 1 acre per 1000 population 1 acre per 1000 population served served

Source: LGED & UDD, 2008

3.8.8District Upazila Infrastructure Development Project (DTIDP) District Upazila Infrastructure Development Project (DTIDP) and Upazila Towns Infrastructure Development Project (UTIDP) under Local Government Engineering Department has prepared for master plan of district and upazila level Pourashava. These

25 master plans have serve as a guideline for the future infrastructure development of Pourashava together with land use control and effective management of the services facilities. Planning standard for district level Pourashavas, DTIDP has suggested 10-12% of total land area will be reserved for open space.

Table 3.9: Space standards for open space facilities under DTIDP

Land use Percentage use of total land Space standard for community category area facilities

Open Space and Motel and tourists center Minimum land 2 acres recreational Play field/ ground 2 acre per 25,000 Population; facility minimum walking distance 1.5 km

Park/neighborhood park 2 acre per 10,000 Population

Open space 1.75 acre per 1,000 Population

Stadium Sports complex 5 acre per 50,000 Population

Cinema/ Theatre 0.5 acre 25,000 Population

Source: LGED, 2010

3.8.9Upazila Town Improvement Project (UTIDP)

Planning standards for preparing the master plans of the Pourashava under UTIDP (table 3.10) provides the recommended guidelines on planning standard that is applying in preparing the Upazila town level master plan by Local Government Engineering Department (LGED).

Table 3.10: Planning standards for open space under UTIDP

Land use Percentage use of total land area Space standard for community facilities category

Open Play field/ Play ground 3.00 acres/20000 population space Park 1.00 acre/ 1000 population

Neighborhood park 1.00 acre/ 1000 population

Stadium/ Sports complex 5-10 acres/ Upazila HQ

Cinema/ Theatre 1.0 acre/ 20000 population

Source: LGED, 2010

Development of appropriate planning standards for open space is quite important. Planning standards for Purashava planning are generally absent.Absence of proper standards has led to the unplanned development in Manikganj Pourashava. However, guideline developed by Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) for preparing master plans for Pourashavas under Upazila Towns Infrastructure Development Project (UTIDP) project is following to develop master plan in Pourashava at upazila level.

The standards are recommended for district and upazila level Pourashva (DTDIP and UTDIP) are very inconsistent as well as extremely low quantity from relevant standards in different countries. Besides, no standard is properly maintained in classifying different types of open spaces. In these consequences, specific standards protected by law, should be developed for Pourashava that will help to ensure proper allocation for open space and recreational facilities in planned physical development.

3.9Institutional Aspect of the Authority (Pourashava) Any development initiative at the local level must relate to the national level plans in order to achieve cohesion and integrity with overall development of the country to attain the national development objectives. To improve community facility of urban area needs to develop master plan which suggests development of urban area for Pourashava to face future challenges of urbanization and economic regeneration. More independence and autonomy to perform the responsibilities of Pourashava could improve institutional capacity as well as accountability of their performance to the government and people needs to be ensured. For this reason the legal framework of the urban local government needs to be reviewed andupdated.Moreover, Pourashavas of Bangladesh are facing a number of common institutional problems to deliver their services.

3.9.1 Lack of Automation Most works in the Pourashava are done manually which causes to delays of works also a source of mal-practice and corruption. Use of modern technology will increase efficiency in planning, financial management, tax collection, record keeping, finally expedite the work efficiency. 3.9.2 Lack of Staffing and Training According to Pourashava manual existing organogram (Annexure 4A) has provision for 155 officials to engage in an “A” class Pourashava to manage the engineering, administrative, health, family planning, conservancy works within the Pourashava area. Existing manpower provisions of Pourashava are given in Table 3.12. However, due to too low Pourashava revenue income sometimesit doesn’t capable to pay the salary of all the officials and staffs and it would be the main reason for under staffing. Proper arrangement for staff training is also too low as a result, the staffs are mostly unskilled.

Table 3.11: Existing Manpower provision of Pourashava Division Main Branches Recommended in Pourashava Manual

Engineering a.Water Supply and 68 Division SewerageSection

b. Civil, Electricity and Mechanical Section

Administrative a. General Section 54 Division b. Account Section c. Assessment Section d. Tax Collection /License Section e. Poura Bazar Section f. Education/ Culture/ Library Section Health, family Conservancy Section 33 Planningand Conservancy Health and Family Planning Division Section

Total 155

Source: Pourashava, 2013

3.9.4 Lack of Pourashava Town Planning Capacity At present, there is only one town planner position in “A “class Pourashava however; there is no town planner position in “B” and “C”class Pourashava. Furthermore, there is no separate town planning division to implement the Master Plan.

3.9.5 Lack of Legal Aspects and Weak Local Government

Though Pourashava is a democratically elected urban local government, its authority is limited towork as a local government. It needs progress in decentralization of local governance and strong urban local governance in the Pourashava is yet to be legalized.Thegovernance programmes of Pourashava are operated based on project wise according to the formulated policies of the implementing agencies of the national government.

3.9.6 Low Penalty for Violation of Plan Provisions The penalty for violation of plan provisions provided in the Pourashava Ordinance 2009 (Section 49) is only Tk. 5000/ and for delay Tk.50/day, if violation continues further after notification. However, this is an extremely low rate of penalty, which should be revised for a substantial increase to prevent any violation effectively. The penalty provision should be more stringent to ensure enforcement of plan provisions.

3.10 Staffing Capacity Development of Pourashava

Government and researches identified the institutional shortcomings in providing services of Pourashava due to lack of staffing capacity. There are a number of proposal to strengthen staffing capacity especially for Town planning capacity by the Pourashava Act, 2009. There is proposal for separate department of town planning division along with other four divisions within the Pourashavaframework. At present, there is only one town planner provision in “A” class Pourashava and it needs to strengthen its capacity.There is a proposal for restructuring of the present Pourashavaorganizational structure by the ministry and Urban Governance Infrastructure Improvement Project(UGIIP). The proposals are discussed below.

3.10.1 Proposed Town Planning Department by Ministry of LGRD&C

Approval of new organogram for Pourashava is in under process of ministry of LGRD&C. They have to take approval from their line ministry, ministry of public administration, ministry of finance, ministry of law and secretariat committee. In the structure of new organogram it is offered a Town planning department with total seventeen number staffing.

Mayor

Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Planning Department (Manpower#17)

Information Technology Management Unit(Manpower#3) 1. Town Planner (Manpower-#2) 1. Sub Assistant Maintenance engineer 1. M L SS 1.Data entry operator 1. MLSS ++ Out sourced Expert Planning and Beautification Section (Manpower# 5)

1. Assistant Architect Town planning section (Manpower# 7) 1. Sub Assistant Architect 1. Building Supervisor 1. Assistant Town Planner 1. Tree Plantation and Garden 1. Sub- Assistant Town Planner Assistant 2. Surveyor 1. MLSS 2. Chainman 2. Chainman Gardener(If necessary) 1. MLSS

Figure 3.1: Town Planning Department for “A” Class Pourashava (proposed by LGRD&C) Source:Pourashava, 2013

3.10.2 Proposal of UGIIP, LGED for Town Planning Division

To rearrange the institutional framework for the Pourashavas recently the government has made a committee for the categorization of all the Pourashavas of Bangladesh. According to the clause no. 72-78 (Pourashava Officer & staff, provident fund etc.) of Pourashava Act, 2009 and on the basis of the type and category of works, the committee suggested 5 divisions within the Pourashava framework. Among the divisions beautification and recreation sections is in under the planning division. The suggested planning divisions and sections are as follows:

Planning Division:

a) IT Section

b) Planning Section

c) Beautification and recreation Section

According to the divisions and their relevant sections the manpower should be set up for each category of Pourashava. The above committee has also chalked out the detail scope of work for each division. The scope of proposed Planning Division is given in Figure 3.2

TOWN PLANNING DIVISION

Information & Technology Section Planning Section Recreational Section

Activities of Information Planning Functions Functions Concerning Recreation Technology -Master Plan -Govt. wetland, govt. fishing grounds, pond -Information and Technology -Planning Development Projects and low lands; Management -Land Development Projects -Tree Plantation, Afforestation; -Building Control -Park, Playground, open spaces; -Social Development Plan -Beautification (Landscaping) -Commercial Projects

Figure 3.2: Scope of work for town planning division Source: Pourashava, 2013

At present, the Pourashava doesn’t have any different town planning division. One town planner may be recruited in “A” class Pourashava and would work under engineering section. This existing provision is not adequate to implement the Pourashava Master Plan and other town planning works. It needs to strengthen its capacity and established separate town planning division to execute its all town planning activities.

3.11Conclusion

There are many deficiencies in providing service and community facilities. The reasons for such deficiency may vary, but are mostly linked with the institutional capacity, resource potential and lack of appropriate planning practice of the Pourashavas. The urban planning and landuse planning are essential to follow for municipality development because policies, regulations and laws of the country have direct and indirect effects on open space development. Moreover, it needs urgently improve the institutional capacity of Pourashava in terms of manpower and other logistics support.

CHAPTER 4

STUDY AREA PROFILE &STATUS OF OPEN SPACE IN MANIKGANJ POURASHAVA

4.1 Introduction

This chapter presents a description of the study area and the status of open space in Manikganj Pourashava. To assess the land use pattern and quantity of open space, mapping of all the playgrounds, play fields, parks and open area has been done through extensive field investigation and field validation. To look into the open space condition of the study area discussion with the local people has been conducted. User’s view helped to identify the satisfaction level, problems and suggestion for improvement related to open space. This helped to understand the needs, demands, lacking and shortage of open space which in turn helps to recommend responsibility of the institutions as well as to formulate the planning framework for open space provision in Manikganj Pourashava.

4.2 Geographical Description

Manikganj is an “A” class Pourashava and a district headquarter was established in 1972. Currently Pourashavas are classified into three categories, A, B, and C depending on the amount of revenue they generate (Fox, William F. and Balakrishna Menon, 2008).“A” Class Pourashavas has over 6 million income would be classified as “A” class Pourashava. Though Manikganj is an “A” class Pourashava it has financial constraint too.

At present it occupies an area of 42.28 sq. km, consisting 49 mahallas in nine wards. It is situated within the flood plain of the Jamuna river, between two branches of this river, the Dhaliswari river to the north (outside Pourashava) and the Kaliganga river to the south (Map 4.1) and most of the land of it’s is low-lying.It is located between 23046/ and 23051/ north latitudes and between 89058/ and 900 07/ east latitudes (google earth). The Pourashava is bounded on the northern side by Saturia thana, on the southern side by Harirampur thana and Nawabganj thana of Dhaka District and on the western of Ghior and Harirampur Thana. Manikganj Pourashava is not very far (65 km) from the capital city Dhaka (Map 4.1).

4.3Demographic Information According to the Population Census of 2011, Manikganj is a Pourashava of 71,698 people among whom 36,084 are male (51.16%) and 35,624 (48.84 %.) are female. At that time the prevailing sex ratio was 107 male for per 100 female, with a moderate growth rate of 1.66%. However, according to Pourashava document the population of Manikganj Pourashava is 2, 30,000which is provided in annexure (Annexure-4B).

Table 4.1: Ward wise households and population distribution in Manikganj Pourashava area

Ward no. Households Population Sex Ratio

Male Female Total

01 2628 5,902 5,473 11,375 108

02 1,809 4,452 3,189 8,271 117

03 1,725 3,625 3,822 7,447 95

04 1,369 2,995 3,131 6,126 96

05 990 3,567 3,463 7,030 103

06 2280 4,899 4,943 9,800 99

07 2,849 5,907 6,013 11,.920 98

08 542 1,120 1,174 2,294 95

09 1,693 3,617 3,776 7,393 96

Total 15,885 34,084 34,984 71,698

Source: Population Census, 2011

The gross density of Manikganj Pourashava is about 2,420 persons per sq. km. However, most of the people live in Ward 6 and Ward7 because the density is high in these two wards compared to other wards. Wards 5 and 8 are the least populated area. The growth trend of population had decreased during 1981-1991 and then increased in 1991-2001. But population density of Sadar thana is increasing steadily.

4.4 Urbanization in Manikganj

Urbanization is an indicator of development. Urban population increases with socio- economic development of the country. According to 2001 census Manikganj Pourashava had 53,678 inhabitants whereas it was 45.433 in 1991, so the urbanization rate on that period was not very high. However, the census of 2011 shows the urbanization rate was 23.17. Rapid urbanization along with lack of control over urban growth, lack of financial and institutional resources, have adversely affected development and environmental conditions, resulting the undue pressure on available urban services and infrastructure of the Pourashava (MIDP, 2006).

Table 4.2: Urbanization scenario in Manikganj Sadar Upazila

Census Year 1991 2001 2011

Population 2,37,771 2,61,662 3,09,413

Urban Population 45,433 53,678 71,698

Urbanization rate 19.11 20.51 23.17

Source BBS, 2011 (Community Series)

4.5 Existing Land Use

Land use study reveals that agriculture (3098 acre) is the dominant land use (49.09%) of total Pourashava land area of 6312.38 acre. The service facilities of the Pourashava are mainly concentrated in the central area (ward no 6) around Pourashava office (Map 4.2). The present land use pattern of Manikganj Pourashava is shown in Map 4.2.

Table 4.3: Present land use pattern of Manikganj Pourashava

Land Use type Area in acre Area in ha. Percentage Agriculture 3098.77 1254.56 49.09

Commercial use 55.49 22.47 0.88

Educational use 14.51 5.87 0.23

Forest 8.61 3.49 0.14

Administrative (Govt.) 63.39 25.66 1.00

Health Service 5.02 2.03 0.08

Industry 0.37 0.15 0.01

Khal 98.53 39.89 1.56

Open space 21.20 8.58 0.34

Pond 43.70 17.69 0.69

Pourashava market 1.20 0.48 0.02

Playground 3.71 1.50 0.06

Public utilities 1.72 0.70 0.03

Residential 2088.07 845.37 33.08

Recreational 4.31 1.75 0.07

River 461.92 187.01 7.32

Road Network 168.85 68.36 2.67

Social facilities 4.23 1.71 0.07

Water body 146.14 59.17 2.32

Others 22.66 9.17 0.36

Total 6312.38 2555.62 100.00 Source: Field Survey and Pourashava Data, 2013 The total open space use is 38.31 acres of landwhich is 0.60% of total area. It includes all open spaces, playground, stadium, Institutional playground, Govt. staff quarters open space etc. However if we consider water bodies and rivers as open space it would become 2.92% (184.45acre) of total land.

4.6 Planning of Manikganj Pourashava

Though municipalities were supposed to prepare master plans by law since 1966 (Pourashava ordinance, 1966) and Manikganj Pourashava were established in 1972unfortunately there was no development plan for Manikganj till 1991. Since 1991 two plans were prepared for Manikganj Pourashava but none of them had implemented.

4.6.1 Land use / Master plan, 1991 of Manikganj Pourashava

Upazila master plan for Manikganj Sadar Upazila was prepared by Urban Development Directorate (UDD) in 1991 to guide development of upazila. As the Pourashava is inside the upazilathe plan covered the municipality. The plan proposed a green space for six acres adjacent to the primary school west of Dhaka – Aricha road as a playground. Another 10 acres were proposed South of Beutha for a Secondary school & college. This area would serve as an open area in the high density central area. In mouzapouli, 20 acres area was proposed for open park, a cinema hall and 10 acres of land was for a stadium. In the east zone of Aricha road an area of 5 acres is proposed north of road for educational purpose and 5 acres for playground. This plan was never brought into practice due to lack of regulatory measure for implementation. Instead, discretionary decisions are used in case of land use decisions. This Land Use Plan was prepared by UDD for Manikganj Sadar zila however, the administrative control of the plan was under Ministry of LGRD &Cooperatives. So the conflict has raised due to lack of legal basis in implementing the proposed plan of UDD and the plan has not been implemented.

4.6.2 Municipal Infrastructure Development Plan, 2006 for Manikganj Pourashava

This plan was prepared by LGED in order to guide the infrastructure development of Pourashava. MIDP suggested that, zoning regulation for secondary towns needs to be prepared immediately for planned and regular development in a proper way. The proposed land use pattern for Manikganj Pourashava under MIDP is shown following table (Table 4.4).

Table 4.4: Proposed land use of Municipal Infrastructure Development Plan (MIDP) of Manikganj Pourashava

Land use type Area in acre Percentage

Agriculture 2991.90 47.40

Commercial 56.97 0.90

Educational 13.77 0.22

Forest 8.61 0.14

Administrative (Govt) 61.21 0.97

Health service 5.02 0.08

Industry 0.37 0.01

Khal 98.53 1.56

Open space 17.56 0.28

Pond 43.70 0.69

Pourashava market 1.20 0.02

Play ground 3.71 0.06

Public utilities 1.72 0.03

Residential 2194.11 34.76

Recreational 4.31 0.07

River 461.92 7.32

Road network 174.33 2.76

Social facilities 4.23 0.07

Water body 146.14 2.32

Low income housing 0.50 0.01

Other 22.58 0.36

Total 6312.38 100

Source: MIDP,2006

4.7 Stock of Open Space

Manikganj Pourashava doesn’t have any comprehensive records and maps of open space, which is a prerequisite to conduct any research. The present study therefore validated and plotted all the existing open spaces used for playgrounds, parks and river side, stadium of Manikganj Pourashava. In order to examine the physical, environmental, institutional aspects of open space interview with responsible authority has conducted. An extensive field investigation for the preparation of the maps of open space was carried out. All the playgrounds, park, stadium, areas were identified through an extensive field survey.

In order to carry out the assessment regarding the condition of open space in terms of physical condition, facilities, availability, accessibility has been measured. It is important to have maps of all the open spaces for Manikganj Pourashava. There is no comprehensive list of playgrounds and park of Manikganj Pourashava. Therefore collection of lists from different responsible agencies, survey, identification, validation and plotting of all the existing playgrounds, park, stadium, water body was prepared under the research.

There are 19 primary schools, 14 high school and 6 colleges in Manikganj Pourashava area but 12 schools and 2 colleges have own play ground on their premises. It is found that there are 14 play grounds (excluding stadium)covering about 11.00 acres of land area and a park and that covers about 1.12 acres of land area (Annexure 1A).Among the playground of educational institute Government Debendro College playground and Government Boy’s High School playground plays a vital role to provide recreation facilities to the Pourashava. Debendro College has a big play ground of 2.68 acres of land in ward no. 3 and there is a water body in the back side of the college. This playground provides recreational opportunity to all ages of people in the evening, especially to the young people. On the other hand, Govt. Boy’s High School playground occupies an area of 1.502 acres of land in ward no.9. Basically it provides recreational opportunity to the children but it is used for multi purposes as it gives the opportunity to playing football and cricket as well as it used as varieties types of mela, cultural program and so on.

There are four types of open spaces are found in the Manikganj Pourashava area with an area of 38.53acresTable 4.6 and Map 4.3showthe location of playgrounds, park, stadium and other open areas in Manikganj Pourashava area. 41

Table 4.5: Area and number of open spaces in Manikganj Pourashava area

Type Number Total Area(Acre) Percentage of Total Open Space

Playground 14 11.22 29.12%

Park 01 1.082 2.8%

Riverside 01 3.516 9.12%

Stadium 01 3.843 9.97

Others (Government quarter, 06 18.87 48.97% police lines, Ansar bahini, Zila parishad quarter)

Total 23 38.53 100%

4.8 Ward wise Distribution of Open Space The physical survey for the research found that Ward no 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 9 have someform ofopen space facilities and the remaining wards4, 5, 8 do not have any open space (Table 4.6). The number of play and recreational facilities also varies considerably. A high concentration of outdoor play and recreation facilities is observed in ward 6, 7. In ward no 6 there are a number of Government colony and school play grounds. In ward 7 Government High School play field, stadiums, children Park are located. There is no uniformity in open space provision throughout Manikganj Pourashava area. A ward-wise open space facilities are showing in the Map 4.4.

Table 4.6: Ward wise distribution of open space in Mankiganj Pourashava

Area in Acre Park Other(River Playground Stadium Total Ward No Based) 1.403 Ward - 1 0 0 1.403 0 3.854 Ward - 2 0 0 3.854 0 2.675 Ward - 3 0 0 2.675 0 14.408 Ward - 6 0 0 14.408 0 14.693 Ward - 7 1.082 3.516 6.115 3.98 1.502 Ward - 9 0 0 1.502 0 38.53 Total 1.082 3.516 29.957 3.98 Source: Field Survey, 2013

It has been observed that there is no equity for the distribution of open space in relationship to the number of residents in Manikganj Pourashava (Table 4.6). In some of the high density wards, for example, ward no 1 there is only 1.403 acres of open space facilities although more than 11,000 people reside in this ward.

Table 4.7: Ward wisedistribution of open space in relation to population in Manikganj Pourashava

Ward Population Ward Open space No in 2011 wise land No Area(Ac Percentage of ward Area/1000 area re) wise open space of people(acre) respective land area

1 11,375 729.80 03 1.403 0.19 0.123

2 8,271 961.62 02 3.854 0.40 0.465

3 7,447 602.66 01 2.675 0.44 0.359

4 6126 857.40 0 0 0.00 0.00

5 7030 277.67 0 0 0.00 0.00

6 9800 334.88 13 14.408 4.30 1.470

7 11.920 754.09 04 14.693 1.96 0.513

8 2294 367.08 0 0 0.00 0.00

9 7393 1428.22 02 1.502 0.11 0.203

Source: Field Survey, 2013

Map 4.4 shows the ward wise spatial distribution of open space in Manikganj Pourashava with respect the area of open space. It reveals that maximum open spaces are concentrated in ward no 6 and ward no7. The 14 open space in ward no 6has an area of 14.408 acres of land. It covers 4.30 % of the total open space of the respective ward area. Ward no 7 has 14.693 acre of open space that means 1.96% of that ward area and includes two large playground and one children park. The ward no 4, 5 and 8 have no open space.

4.9Accessibility of Open space Accessibility assessment can be defined as the measure of relative opportunity of interaction or contact with a phenomenon. Different types of accessibility measures are used in urban planning. Accessibility assessment of park and playgrounds, stadium and other open spaces can be measured by using road network analysis, centroid radii analysis, coverage measurement, minimum distance measures, gravity measurement (Lotfi and Koohsari, 2009; Talen and Anselin, 1998).Road network analysis (Map 4.5) shows that open space in Manikganj is well accessible because all the sites are connected with road networks.

Accessibility restrictions could be for time, gender, membership, school/college playground use for outsider. Club grounds are reserved for only club members and Stadium is restricted for use by mass population. The government quarter and other quarters (police lines, Ansar bahini reserved area, PWD quarter area, Upazila head quarter, Zila Parishad quarter)area are reserved for only respective department officer, staffs and for their family members.From the analysis it is observed that only 9.68 acres of land people can enjoy freely or without any restriction, which is 25 % of total open spaces.

4.10 Service Area Coverage Service area means how much area can be served by an open space. To find out a logical radius of service coverage of open spaces, it is assume that the radius of service is proportional to average size of the open spaces. That means, the bigger the average size of open spaces is, the bigger the service area for that type of open space will be. Map 4.6 provides the service area of open space i.e. park, stadium, playground and other type of open spaces in Manikganj Pourashava.

According to user survey most of the users wanted open space facilities should be within half mile distance from their home. Thus half a mile (0.5) distance has been used as service length of open space. All accessible streets within a half a mile of a recreation site via the road network. One can use this service networks to see what is alongside the accessible streets which is shown in the Map 4.5.

Map 4.7 shows accessibility to open space within 0.5 mile distance. It covers total 3937.29 area which is 62.37% total area of Manikganj Pourashava. The remaining 37.62 % area deprived from any kind of open space facilities. The Table 4.8 also shows the ward wise distribution of accessibility area of open space considering the buffer distance 0.5 mile. The maximum area cover in Ward no 7 and minimum area cover in Ward no 4 it implies this ward doesn’t cover any area. It also reveals that roughly 50,468 residents got access within this distance.

Table 4.8: Ward wise net population density with buffer area of open space

Served Service Ward Populat Area Gross Residential Residential Population area No ion (Acre) Density area(acre) Net Area(acre) Coverage (acre)

Ward-1 11,375 733.43 16 265.80 43 252.18 10792 562.98

Ward-2 8,271 969.09 9 317.09 26 226.56 5910 645.58

Ward-3 7,447 602.65 12 275.73 27 184.37 4980 395.63

Ward-4 6,126 857.40 7 202.32 30 0.00 0 0.00

Ward-5 7,030 277.67 25 181.76 39 120.18 4648 161.09

Ward-6 9,800 334.88 29 131.91 74 131.91 9800 334.88

Ward-7 11920 754.07 16 298.99 40 288.21 11490 702.53

Ward-8 2,294 419.38 5 80.89 28 68.85 1952 129.73

Ward-9 7,393 1427.40 5 290.29 25 167.91 4276 1004.88

Total 71,656 6375.96 11 2044.78 35 1440.16 50468 3937.29

Source: Field Survey and calculation of author, 2013

Map 4.8 shows the residential area within 0.5 mile from each open space. This map also illustrates coverage of open space from residential area within this 0.5 mile distance. It covers total 1440.14 area residential area, which is (68%) total residential area of Manikganj Pourashava. Only 56,468 inhabitants are getting open spaces facilities to use and the remaining 15,188 inhabitants are deprive from open space facilities if consider 0.5 mile buffer distance.

Map 4.9 is the choropleth map of open space in Manikganj Pourashava area which classifies wards according to availability of open space/1000 population. The left side below map shows the population distribution and right side below map shows the open space and catchment residential area. Above map shows the open space per thousand population.

4.11 Ownership of Open Space

A large number of open space owned by public sector organization however, none of them owned by the Pourashava authority. Moreover, 14 private and public educational institute (school, college) have their playgrounds on their premises. There is no park or playground of private or personal ownership.

Table 4.9:Ownership pattern of open space

Type of Owner’s ship Types of Number of Total Percentage open Space Open Space Area(Acre) of Total Open Space

Authority of some Playground 14 11.22 29.12% institutions (schools,

Colleges etc.)

DC office Children 01 1.082 2.8% park

Government other Open area, 06 18.87 48.97% agencies(Bangladesh police playground, lines, Ansar, Upazila head recreational quarter, other quarter ) space

Community and Others Stadium 01 3.843 9.97

Pourashava Riverbank 01 3.516 9.12%

Total 38.53 100%

Source: Field Survey, 2013

4.12Gap of Open Space Facilities The standard suggested by District Town Development Infrastructure Project (DTDIP) was used to identifyshortage of open space for this study. The analysis of surveyed data with the DTDIP standard shows a huge gap is occurring for park and open space in Manikganj, there is additional requirement for 13.26 acres parks and 97.82 for open space. Table 4.10 shows the field survey data of existing open space facilities and required open spaces according to the standard.

Table 4.10:Existing open space and gap with the standard Use/Facility Recommended Land in Acre Standard of DTDIP Demand Supply Gap

Tourist center Minimum land 2 - - - acres Play field/ Play ground 2 acre per 25,000 7.17 11.00 3.83 (-) Population

Park 2 acre per 10,000 14.34 1.082 13.26 (-) Population Other use Open space 1.75 acre per 1,000 125.47 27.65 97.82 (-) Population Stadium/Sports complex 5 acre per 50,000 7.17 3.843 3.33 (-) Population Total 154.15 38.31 127.92 (-)

Source: DTDIP standard and author’s calculation

The Table 4.10 and Map 4.10 revealed that there is serious shortage (around 128 acre)of open spaces in Manikganj Pourashava. There are shortage for all types of open spaces playground, park, stadium and other use open space.

4.13 Existing Condition of Open Space A town should have plans for preservation and creation of open spaces, as well as management system of the open space and good accessibility to the places Existing physical condition and maintenance scenario is discussed from field observation, user’s perspective. In this survey, five group of stakeholders were brought together to form a discussion about various aspect of existing situation of Manikganj Pourashava. The selected groups are form: users of open space, local government (officials/ elected person), other government officials, NGO, and general residents.

4.13.1 Play Ground

There are a number of educational institutions in Manikganj Pourashava but all the institution doesn’thave playground. 14 schools and colleges have their playground on their premises. However, these playfields are not well maintained by the authority. However, playgrounds of government quarter, Bangladesh police lines, Upazila Head quarter are well maintained.

4.13.1.1 Physical and Environmental Condition of Playground It was found that physical conditions of the open spaces are not always suitable to play. Among all the playgrounds only four (4) playgrounds surface found even and fully or partially covered by grass. Only two (2) playgrounds have a boundary wall or have a partial wall

On the whole, the users are satisfied with the shape and size of their playgrounds. The top three factors for dissatisfaction in playgrounds are: poor rubbish collection, lack of drinking water facility, and inadequate toilet facility (Box 4.1 and 4.2). Children also report their dissatisfaction related to cleanliness of the playground. Most children wanted play equipment, shelters and slides in their playground. Good lighting and toilets are the most important service facilities required for a good playground reported by the adolescents.

Picture 4.1: Lack of boundary wall Picture 4.2: Lack of proper maintenance

Box 4.1: Case Studies

Rina a school girl of 14 years, is a student of Joynogor high school. This school is in ward no 02 and they enjoy school playground very much because there is no other open space

to play. The school playground is large enough and it facilitates primary school and high school. The physical condition of play ground is not quite satisfactory because the rubbish

is not properly collected, there is no boundary wall and the level is uneven and absence of grass.

Mehedi Imran a student of Govt. Boy’s High School is11 years, he explained that the playing field of Govt. high school is big enough and he enjoys it very much. He and his

friends use this playground for playing cricket, 7 stones etc. However, in the evening it becomes very crowded place and rubbish collection is not regular and sometimes various

anti social activities also take place also.

4.13.1.2Maintenance of Playgrounds Mo st of the playgrounds (around 9 or 10) are not maintained properly (Box 4.3 and 4.4) lack of proper rubbish collection facilities, irregular mowing are major problems observed.

Box 4.2: Case studies

Mr. Md Moshiur Rahman father of school going boy lives in ward no 4said there is no

open space in this ward which one can serve asplaygrounds. For this reason, they need to

travel a long distance to go an open space. It is not possible to allow his child to visit alone because it is more than half mile and doesn’t have the required quality. Regular maintenance is almost absent in all of the existing open space of Manikganj Pourashava. So, regular maintenance of existing open space and creating new park, amusement park, neighborhood parkis like a basic need of Manikganj60 Pourashava.

Picture4.3 Debendro College Playground Picture 4.4: Boy’s High School Playground

Only five to six playgrounds out of fourteen playgrounds are observed clean, proper rubbish collection facilities, regular watering and mowing facilities are occurring.

Box 4.3: Case Study Nayan a Young man of 20 years old of Gongadhorpotti, he said that there is no other option for open space except Debendro College playground and Govt High School playground. Lack of suitable open space is one of the main problem for young group of people As Debendro College has no boundary wall and no restriction to use all level of people comes here. Young people, aged people, children with family members, students come to this playground to have some sorts of recreation. However, there are many problems to use because there is no maintenance of this playground by the authority. There is lack of proper lighting, cleaning, greeneries, shade, toilet, drinking water, etc.

4.13.1.3 Environmental Condition of Playgrounds: Noise, dust, garbage dumping and cattle grazing are found in many playgrounds. Children are a bit less concerned about the environmental problems. However, overcrowding and noise are the two environmental problem mentioned by children. No restriction on anti-social activities at the playground is also mentioned by some children and parents.

Box 4.4 Case Study Mizanis a young boy of 18 years old living in South Sheuta. He explained that Govt. Boy’s School playground is an excellent place for their recreation. He and his friends almost every day afternoon come here to play football or cricket. The size of the playground is very large, they enjoy it very much. He complained that the pitch of playing cricket is not maintained properly. He also claimed that this play ground used for multipurpose as there held Bijoymela, various types of cultural program, fair etc. For these types of activities they cannot enjoy the play field all the year for play purpose.

4.13.1.4 School/ College Playground Use Pattern Most children walk to the playground, often less than half a mile and therefore no travel costs are involved. A small number of the children came to playgrounds by rickshaw and car. Through field observation it is found that cricket and football are the two games played by boys of all socio-economic groups.

4.13.2 Park There is only one park in the Manikganj Pourashava area, there is no any common physical facilities for instance swings and slides are broken for a long time and there is no other play equipment. There are some seating arrangement however they are not properly cleaned and no lights and toilet facilities are observed.

4.13.2.1 Physical Condition of Park Park is located adjacent to the DC office and court of Manikganj as a result the park is always crowded with different types of people. The people whoever are using this park is main reason is close proximity to their house The most unsatisfactory factors reported by users are poor rubbish collection and others are noise, air pollution from vehicles, anti-social behaviors, lack of sheds and lack of security (Box 4.5). According to park users, absence of play equipment.plants, shelter and small size are the problem areas in terms of the physical facilities in the park.

The park has a boundary wall or partial boundary wall. Grass was found in the park but has no ground been leveled.

Picture 4.5: Swings and slides are broken Picture 4.6: Lack of physical maintenance

Box 4.5: Case Study Atikul Islam a 13 years school boy lives in high school road, he explained that the park is very useful because there are no other park near his house. He and his friends come here very frequently on an average five days of a week. They enjoy here but there are some problems in the park like the swings, slides are broken and no other playing equipment are installed here. They want the park should have climbing frames and adventure equipment and properly maintained and refurbishment to use.

4.13.2.2 Maintenance of Park Parks with proper landscape give stimulating and enriching experiences to the users. The main elements of proper landscaping of parks and open spaces are plantation, water body, ground coverage, design features, shading, etc. (Islam et al., 2002). However, Manikganjthere is lack of proper maintenance and needs essential maintenance program for the park (Box 4.6). There is having an ownership dispute of the park and for that no maintenance is occurred. The parks are owned by DC office while play equipment was installed by Pourashava authority. For many years Pourashava has demanded the ownership of land from DC office but DC office has not yet agreed to do this (Box 5.1). For this reason maintenance work is halted on.

Box 4.6: Case Study Mr. Showkat, father of two children has said there is no other park in Pourashava so sometimes they come to visit here. They live in Kalibari which is very near from this park. However, he said there are a number of unsatisfactory factor no maintenance work, crowd, poor rubbish collection, anti-social activity (i.e. mugging, using drug, begging, eve teasing). The swings, slides, climbing frames and other equipment are not in condition to use, all are broken. Other problems are mentioned that include noise, air pollution fromvehicles, anti-social behaviors, no adequate place for playing, no sidewalks, absence of plantation and no aesthetic view. It is a park only in name but the existing situation does not offer the facilities of a park. Related to the environmental problems are noise, air pollution from vehicles, and indiscriminant littering

4.13.2.3 Environmental Condition of Parks The children park is very crowded, noisy due to nearness to the central area of the Manikganj city. The park has great indiscriminate disposal of garbage collection, bad odor and noisy environment from vehicles and air pollution (Box 4.6, 4.7).

Box 4.7: Case Study

Amina a 17 years girl came to the park from Beutha road. She explained her perception

about the condition of the park. She mentioned that the place is very crowded and there is

security problem because is not maintained only for park user, different kinds of people

come here. Not maintained any gate for the security purpose and the visitors feel

uncomfortable for overcrowded condition.

4.13.3 River Bank and Khal Side

The two rivers are flowing by the side of Manikganj Pourashava. Kaliganga river is considered to be the main source of water centered recreation because every day a number of people especially the young people come to the river bank to enjoy the place. Every year Pourashava organize boat race in Kaliganga river. Many competitors come here from

64 different places of the district to participate in this competition. As Manikganj has great shortage of recreation facilities these competition gives the opportunity of recreation.

Picture 4.7: Boat race on Kaliganga River Picture 4.8: Kaliganga river scenic beauty

There are a number of khals run through the Manikganj Pourashava. Due to the lack of maintenance and improper landscaping the khals are losing their visual beauty and the existences of these khals are now on risk because they are losing navigability day by day (Box 4.8). If these khals are protected from encroachment and commercial purpose use it would offer recreational space and increase the aesthetic view

Box 4.8: Case Study Mr. Nazrul Islam a business man he mentioned that the khal improvement and beautification project is very important to the citizen’s quality of life of Manikganj. There is a scope to provide a beautiful environment to the dwellers if necessary beautification and landscaping projects are taken. A certain portion of khal is filled with construction debris for the construction going on its bank. The khalis thus narrowed, reducing its natural flow and limiting the navigability. The narrowing of the khal also imposes the problem of flooding in the adjoining areas and it will not be acting as a natural reservoir due to its reduced capacity. If the sides of the khalare renovate the side could be used for walking, jogging and for mental relaxation in the evening for the community people.

4.13.4 Stadium

Manikganj Stadium was built in 1963, has the area 3.84 acres of land. There is officer’s club and town hall in the compound area of stadium. The Officer’s club provides some sorts of recreation facilities to the government officers. There is a long tennis court, table tennis board

65 and a billiard board also. It requires maintenance of Manikganj district sports association building and stadium. Every Year there is only one (1) lack takabudgetary allocation from National Sport Council (NSC) for operation and maintenance cost(field survey, 2013) which is not sufficient at all. The stadium ground is always open for practicing football for youth people.

Every year a month long fair titled Bijoy Melais held in the stadium area to celebrate the liberation. The fair includes photography exhibition highlighting the war of independence, cultural functions and sports. It offers to the local people various types of recreation opportunity.

4.13.5 Informal Open Space

Informal open space which is identified by children themselves and use the space for play and recreation purpose. The areas such as access roads, streets, alley, driveways, undeveloped land and other community vacant lands are informal open space. In most cases children are found to play on the paved roads, narrow streets and on uneven ground close to their houses. There is nomaintenance found in these informal play areas. Mostof these play areas are noisy, unclean, unfenced and littered with garbage.Most of the children are found playing cricket in these informal play areas. Children from lower income families are most likely to be observed playing in these areas.

4.14Level of Satisfaction of Open Space User

The respondents were asked about the availability and present performance of the open space facilities. Total number of eighty (80) user’s survey of four (4)open spaces (parks, playgrounds, river bank) have been conducted to know the user perception and their satisfaction level to the condition and management system of open space.To understand the management system and existing condition of open space it was assessed with the four indicators and a set of variables. The indicators are i)Management performance and institutional indicator, ii) Facility quality and performance indicatoriii) Safety and security indicator and iv) Environmental indicator etc. Management performance and institutional indicator includes the maintenance of open space, cleanliness, maintenance of broken elements, care and protection of open space element, regular responsibility performedby authority, budget on management and expenditure on management and maintenance,

66 professional maintenance staff, guards and so on. Facility quality and performance indicator includes the required facilities existed or not and quality of facilities too. The facilities are needed for visitors, children and parents who visit to the open space. The facilities are focused with number of variables such as sitting arrangement, lights, toilet facility, playinginstrument, equipment, walk way, food-water availability and accessibility etc. Safety and security indicator is a very important element needs to be considered becausemany parents don’t allow their children to go open space due to lack of safety and security of these places (Box 4.6). It includes the variables are; anti-social activity, mugging, using drug, begging, eve teasing, hawker and so on. Environmental indicator includes air quality, vegetation, odor, noise, temperature, mosquito etc. as variables. All these variable were assessed on a 5 point scale 1=Very poor, 2= Poor, 3= Moderate, 4=Good, and 5=Very good. The mean value of each indicator has been calculated to find out the overall management condition by using thefollowing rating satisfaction level of open space in table 4.10.

Table 4.11: Rating scale of acceptance level of indicator

Acceptance Level Rating Very poor 1

Poor 2

Moderate 3

Good 4

Very Good 5

Table 4.12: Mean of indicators of surveyed open space in Manikganj Indicator Debendro Government Boys Shishu Beutha river College High school play park bank ground Play field

Management performance 2.5 2.7 1.25 1.5 of institution

Facilities quality and 2.75 2.5 1.25 1.75 performance

Safety and security 3.3 3.0 3.0 3.0

Environmental indicator 3.1 3.2 2.7 3.15

It is evident from the study that the overall satisfaction level of users is poor, the identified common problem is very weak management performance of respective authority. There is shortage of all kinds of facilities in all open spaces especially in shishu park which indicates very poor level of performance. However, safety security and environmental indicators show a moderate satisfaction level for all open spaces. 4.15 Conclusion This chapter gives an over view of the existing condition of open space in Manikganj Pourashava. The information is provided according to the field survey and user survey.The needs, priorities, problems and the recommendation of user’s have extensively focused in this chapter. It is observed that not only inadequateopen space also inequ ality and inequity in the distribution of open space is occurred. Increasing land price, absence of vacant land, absence of proper management and maintenance make extremely difficult to provide quality open space. So, it is better to secure vacant lands for open space before density of population increases and land becomes scarcer and more priced.

CHAPTER 5 ROLE OF POURASHAVA IN PROVIDING AND MANAGING OPEN SPACE AND POTENTIAL OPEN SPACES

5.1 Introduction

Since 1960, Pourashava is the sole authority (according to the Pourashava Act, 2009, Pourashava Ordinance, 1977 and Municipal Administration Ordinance, 1960) for every type of development (except telecommunication and electricity) in the Pourashava area of Bangladesh except the area covered by development authorities. This chapter focuses on the role of Pourashava in providing and managing open space specially the role played by Manikganj Pourashava in developing their open space. Existing maintenance and provision of open space is discussed from field observation, user’s perception, and statement from local government, other government officials and professionals.

5.2 Management and Maintenance of Open Spaces

Preserving and maintaining open spaces in urban environments is considered a crucial aspect of fulfilling environmental quality goals and attaining a liveable city (Schopfer, 2004; Clark, 2006). Increasingly, it is understood that healthy cities needs to include viable and accessible open space and urban nature among many other aspects. Maintenance is an important competent of open space management system. For better functioning and quality of open spaces is subject to regular maintenance.

Management system of open space includes the planning, development, funding and regular maintenance of open space. As mentioned in the previous chapter Manikganj Pourashava does neither own nor maintain all the open spaces in Manikganj municipal area. The open space in municipal areas is own by different government authority, (i.e. Zilla parishad) educational institutes and the municipalities.

5.2.1 Legal Responsibility of Manikganj Pourashava

The Pourashava Ordinances at different times since 1960’s till the present time have iterated that a Pourashava as it gets established must prepare its Master Plan for planned development of the municipal town. So far, three ordinances have been made in the year 1967, 1977 and

2008, all suggesting for planned development. The 2009 Act, made provision for having the Master Plan prepared by a Pourashava within five years of its inception. The Master Plan of a Pourashava town is aimed for ensuring planned development. This means by 2014 the Pourashava has its own master plan however, no work has yet been done on it.

According to the Pourashava ordinance 2009, Pourashava were established for providing urban facilities. In practice, however, they cannot perform all of the functions. It is clearly mentioned that Pourashava should conserve, provide, maintain and plan open space, garden beside supervise the open space or playground for recreation of the dwellers. Pourashava can undertake development projects for the welfare of the parks, play grounds, parks and play lots but Pourashava cannot change the land use of open spaces.

Manikganj Pourashava, thus by the ordinance is responsible for creation of open spaces, parks and gardens within their boundary. However, unfortunately Manikganj Pourashava have not yet created/ maintained any park or play ground in their jurisdiction area. Though the Pourashava has an annual development budget of above 100 crore taka for the last five years, nothing has been allocated for open space creation and preservation (Pourashava budget, 2008-2012). The Mayor and councilors (Box 5.1) blamed it on lack of funding, and priority of other essential infrastructure for budget allocation combined with scarcity of public land within the Pourashava for this.

5.2.2 Maintenance Agency

A good number of playground within the Pourashava is owned by the publically and privately owned educational institutes like school and college. Though these grounds were supposed to be used by the students of the education institutes they are open for public use. Unfortunately most of these institutes has no budget for maintaining the playgrounds. As Pourashava does not owned open space it doesn’t involve in any type of maintenance work. The open space of Government quarter area is maintained by that respective authority. Upazila head quarter, PWD quarter, Zila parishad bunglo, police lines and Ansar reserved area is controlled and maintained by the respective authority which has discussed in ownership and maintenance open space section in chapter 4.

5.3 Identified Problems in Providing and Managing Open Space

To assess the role of institution on open space facilities information has been collected through interviews with questionnaires to the responsible government nongovernment organization, who are open space facility providers. During the KII with various government officials many problems came out in the management of open space in Manikganj. Manikganj Pourashava is empowered for poura land management, infrastructure management, land leasing, development works and development control and city planning.

5.3.1 Lack of Fund Local bodies in this country are in constant shortage of funds, Manikganj Pourashava is not exception of it. The sources of the Pourashava’s income are generally holding taxes, rates, fees and charges levied by it, and rents and profits accruing from individuals and institutions. The government grants, profits from investments, receipts accruing from the trusts placed with it, loans raised by it and proceeds from other services are the other sources of income for the Pourashava. The Pourashava has a weak economic and revenue base that does not support all types of development for the socio-economic wellbeing of citizen. The Pourashava authority due to lack of resources (Box 5.1), fails to make required investments in the development of open space to improve the quality of life of the people living in the town. However, there is no allocation for maintenance work of open space facilities. However, the budget from 2008 to 2012 doesn’t have any allocation for open space management or development project. The Table 5.1 shows 2008- 2012 total revenue budget for the last five years with income and expenditure. Table 5.1: Manikganj Pourashava budget from 2008-20012

Year Total income Total expenditure Total budget amount

2008-2009 3,31,89,381.75 2,85,39,688.88 3,39,91,828.20

2009-2010 3,34,65,227.00 3,48,99,366.51 3,89,17,366.32

2010-2011 5,04,51,779.00 4,88, 84,065.36 5,44,73,178.81

2011-2012 4,92,86,584.00 4,92,86,584.00 5,48,75,697.45

Source: Manikganj Pourashava, 2013

It reveals that every year thought there is gradual increase in the revenue amount there is no allocation for open space development. Expanding or enhancing existing open space facilities and developing new opportunities require capital funding. The mayor though understand the requirement of open space but could not take necessary steps due to financial constraint and has higher priority for other infrastructure (Box 5.1). The issue of financial constraint of Pourashava is supported by other interviewee (Box 5.3, 5.6 and 5.7, 5.8, 5.9).

Box-5.1: Key Informant Interview (Pourashava Mayor)

Mr. Romzan Ali is currently the Mayor of Manikganj Pourashava. He is the mayor of the municipality since 1978. He expressed that Pourashava is very concerned with the shortage of open space. He said that they are willing to improve the existing condition of open space of the municipality with necessary steps to eliminate the prevailing problems and ambiguities.

Issues regarding open space creation/ conservation, maintenance management were the focus of the interview. He explained that there are many problems like road network, drainage, water supply, solid waste, dumping, flooding and other infrastructure related problem in the municipality. However, they are very much conscious with the shortage of open space for recreational purpose in the Pourashava area, though it is not prioritized. He emphasized for the two main problems to offer park in poura area one is their financial constraint another one is scarcity of land. Such type of projects requires a large land area, huge financial investment. He also mentioned that at that time Pourashava is not under any infrastructural development projects (like UGIIP phase-II, DTDIP) of ministry of LGRD. Manikganj Pourashava is included in CRDP under ministry of LGRD & Cooperatives so he is very hopeful that by this project he will able to create a park for Pourashava.

The mayor mentioned that he has a number of plans with open space and park creation. He wanted to create a park by the side of Kaligangariver, by the side of bridge. Hence, the land will be easily available and no development has yet been taken place there. So, it will be easier to develop park on that area. Besides, he has decided two sides he has selected for small sized neighborhood parks. The mayor also expressed his opinion regarding the water body and lake side beautification. As there are many water bodies, lake and they would be very nice recreational place.

5.3.2 Land Scarcity Land is a scarce resource all over Bangladesh and it is not exception in Manikganj Pourashava. The scarcity of land came as one of major constraint of developing open space in Manikganj (Box 5.1, 5.2, 5.4, 5.6). Land development in the Pourashava is usually the process of conversion of land from agricultural acquiring to subdivision, provision of infrastructure, etc. But the situation of land crisis is not so acute as claimed by the Key informant rather the problem lies in unplanned land conversion.

Open space facilities require a large land area for development. Within the existing residential and commercial areas, there are few parcels of public lands available for leisure opportunities. Land needs to acquire to address significant development opportunities. According to the DC office there is some vested property lands that could be used for open space development but before that vested property law should be settled down. Furthermore, the khas land could be used to open space provision but khas land management and distribution, the main problem is that there is no accurate inventory of khas land available to the government. Besides, many khas plots were grabbed by local elites with strong political power and have serious bureaucratic complication.

Box-5.2: Key Informant Interview (Panel Mayor) Mr. Arshed Ali is the panel mayor of Manikganj Pourashava. He said that Manikganj Pourashava has no open space of its own for recreational purpose. Manikganj Pourashava could improve Kaligagnga river bank for recreational purpose with proper construction and design when STIFPP-II project was running but Pourashava was failed to do it. The STIFPP-II Project for integrated flood protection covers nine secondary towns in Bangladesh, Manikganj was one of them. Manikganj is prone to river flooding, river erosion, waterlogging, and flash floods. If that time, the river embankment is properly designed and provided with proper landscaping it would be a very beautiful space for recreation in Manikganj. If appropriate fund is available for open space development, land

scarcity is not a very big issue because there is a lot of land of vested property in Manikganj Pourashava and they could be used.

5.3.3 Lack of Development Plan With the lack of resources, it also has lack of professionally skilled manpower to carry out development in a planned way. Though Municipalities are responsible for urban master planning and

73 in control of building construction there is no rules for municipalities for this purpose. The lack of planning (Box 5.2) is also attributed as one of the reason for lack of open space in the Pourashava.

Box-5.3: Key Informant Interview (UpazilaNirbahi Officer)

Mr. S.M. Mostofa Kamal is the UNO of Manikganj Pourashava. He urged that Manikganj has great pressure to develop housing because Dhaka city has extreme housing shortage. In this regard Manikganj must have a development plan and it have to maintain strictly to development work. Moreover, he said it is the duty of Manikganj Pourashava to develop open space and recreational site. However, there is lack of feeling for open space development and as well lack of aesthetical and beautification sensitivity of the authority. He mentioned that he has already talked and gave importance on open space development in different meeting with Pourashava authority.

There is a scope of refurbishment of children park and the canal that flows through the

Pourashava. These two places could be great source but canal requires to excavate and

beautification project. By removing the illegal structures over it and ensuring regular

drainage, it can be used both for communication and recreational purposes. It is possible if

the authority has strong political will. However, there is one big problem of Pourashava

authority is access to required land. As they do not have access to Government khas land

they have to buy land at market price for the open space project which depends on sellers

wish. There is a small children park and officer’s club within the area of Upazila head

quarter but this place is protected for only Upazila officer and staffs. The internal places

are properly maintained by SadarUpazila.

5.3.4 Lack of Pourashava Manpower and Town Planning Capacity As per the organogram “A” class Pourashava has only a town planner to enforce development control and implementing plan in (Annexure 4 A) existing Pourashava organogram. The lack of manpower and absence of town planning section hampers the preparation and implementation of the plan. There are also vacancies and lack of man power in other technical and important administrative post. This ultimately hampers the maintenance of infrastructure including open space. Having visionary planners in the Pourashavas are serious problem because the planner position is available only for “A”class Pourashava. However, among 153 “A” class Pourashava only 35 planners are working (LGRD, 2013). It need good

74 set of technical persons who can find the ways of creation of open spaces with development plan and right project for to access all level community.

Box-5.4: Key Informant Interview (General Secretary, Bangladesh Insititute of Planners) Professor Dr. Akter Mahmud is the General Secretary, Bangladesh Insititute of Planner and a faculty of Jahangirnagar University in Urban and Regional Planning Department.

He mentioned that lands are under the ownership of people and government doesn’t have

land-bank in the Pourashava areas. Government has to acquire land for implementation of development projects through a process prescribed in ‘Requisition and Acquisition of Immovable Property Act 1984’. As the Secondary towns had not the legitimate city plan, they grew spontaneously without much planning interventions by the urban local government. Now, secondary towns became an agglomeration of urban centre where provision of open spaces is almost absent.

Most of the cases Pourashavas are not financially capable to initiate a project like development of open space/park. Sometimes development of open space projects are considered as less priority project. Development projects like; market, bus stand, bazaar, housing schemes etc get the priority because of their high potentiality immediate return. Sometimes Pourashavas don’t have a legitimate master plan. As a result they fail to pursue for the development of open space projects in absence of a ‘legitimate master

plan’. He also emphasized that having visionary planners in the Pourashavas are serious

problem. Good set of technical persons can find the ways of creation of open spaces in the city and community level. They can initiate right projects in right time. Moreover, he answered that establishment of a separate agency for ‘open space’ will merely address the problem of open spaces in Bangladesh, have same kind of instance for separate agency for other services however, it didn’t work well. Rather, he suggested a separate department within the urban local government would be able to work in two (2) ways; - It will have better coordination as it is within the local government

- It will pursue better to implement the open space projects

5.3.5 Land Value

Land value in some of the wards of the municipality has increased drastically over the last decade. Influence of urbanization process, occurs the land use and morphological changes in Manikganj Pourashava. It is very nearer to Dhaka city, there is great potential to develop very soon and for that many non-local comes to Manikganj to buy land for investment. This has effect on high land price.

5.3.6 Lack of Land Acquisition Power

Though all the elected and statutory officials (Box 5.1, 5.4, 5.6, 5.8) of Manikganj Pourashava agreed that there is shortage of required and good number of open space. Especially they emphasized on recreational spaces. Since, Pourashava doesn’t have access to Government khas land (Box 5.3) they ask that if they have the power to acquire land (Box 5.4) it would have been easier for them to provide open space.

Box-5.5: Key Informant Interview (Executive Engineer of Pourashava)

Mr. Belayat Hossain is the Executive Engineer of Manikganj Pourashava. He said that Provision and maintenance of open space is a great difficulty for Manikganj Pourashava. Manikganj Pourashava has not yet started the preparation of master plan though “Local

Government (Pourashava) Act 2009” ordered the Pourashava to prepare a master plan within five years of the enforcement of the law. For this reason, unplanned development in Pourashava area is creating a great problem. Creation of public open spaces like parks,

lakes, gardens etc. are not profitable for organizations, as they do not get money out of it. For this reason Pourashava can create park as tolled park with ticketing system.

He explained that Master plan is documentary evidence and guidelines on the planned development. Pourashava should have start initiatives to create master plan which will create opportunity to create new open space place according to plan. Existing recreational places are not evenly distributed because in ward don’t have any open space for recreation. As well as it requires to create maintenance and management plan thus the open spaces should maintain well. It is focused that, the main hindrance to the creation of

open space is financial crisis and Pourashava doesn’t have the authority to acquire land.

5.3.7 Complications to Access Government Khas land

In Bangladesh, the process of redistributing state owned land, commonly named as khas land. There is no accurate data on how much khas land is available at present. Very small portion of land has been distributed to the landless people whereas a significant part of khas land is illegally occupied by influential people (Barkat et al., 2000a). The range of problems associated with the distribution of khas land for the government development projects become quite obvious.

Corruption practices are the first and most often cited during interviews and in the literature. Government officials and public representatives at different levels are the main players engag ed in the process. The khas land settlement policies are not sufficient enough to settle the disputes (Herrera, 2016).

Box-5.6: Key Informant Interview (AC land Officer of DC Office)

The AC land Officer Begum Kamrunnahar of DC office Manikganj said that there is no such a large land area in the record of khas land which can be used as open space provision. Most of the khas lands are very small in size, fragmented and already been used for

different purposes. She said me to take a look on the records of khas land and it seems to me that the khas lands are very small parcel of land and occupied in different land uses and would be difficult to get a large land area for the development project of open space.

5.3.8 Lack of Preservation of Natural Water Bodies

Though waterway gives potential recreational open space and Manikganj is crisscrossed by khals and surrounded by two rivers. However, construction of roads over khals, siltation and filling of khals by unauthorized construction is a common phenomenon and Pourashava has little authority to take any legal action against unscrupulous acts as it needs permission from higher authority.

Box-5.7: Key Informant Interview (Research and Development Officer of

Department of Environment)

Mahmud Mamoon is Research and Development Officer with Urban Planning Background in Department of Environment. He mentioned about the Act “Natural Water body Protection and Preservation of Open space and Playground Act 2000” said this Act must be prior consideration to initiate any project in mega city, divisional town, district town, country’s all municipal area. According to the section 2 of this act has defined all the aspects where the land use cannot be changed without additional approval from Government. This act is fully applicable in conforming to the master plan of a specific area however, the master plan has not yet been prepared for Manikganj Pourashava. As Manikganj is low- lying flood prone area so, for any type of development projects of Manikganj Pourashava should strictly maintain by this Act. Court bridge khal which is running through the town can be used as open space by excavating and protecting the road site encroachment.

5.3.9 Low Land and Intensity of Flooding ManikganjFurthermore, is situatedhe added within that p arks the and flood recreation plain of areas the have Jamuna multiplier river so,effect flood on land is regular and phenomenonreal estate value in the and Pourashava. will create Becausethe scope of for low higher lying property flood prone tax. land Pourashava has less interest in investing in parks and other open space claim by officer in DC office (Box 5.8).

Box-5.8: Key Informant Interview (ADC of DC Office)

Mr. Mizanur Rahman is one of the ADC of DC office of Manikganj. He also agreed that Pourashava has a great shortage of open space especially for recreational purpose. There

are very few vested property in Pourashava area that could be used for creating park or play field. However, though The Bangladesh government in 2011 has passed a landmark bill that is vested property return Act, the act has not yet fully implemented. If concern

ministry gives any letter to DC for providing Khas land to Pourashava for creating park or garden but should have a development plan for open space. Another big problem of taking any big development project (i.e. amusement park, children park) is low lying flood prone

area. Though under the Secondary Towns Integrated Flood Protection Project (STIFP) project, rehabilitation and widening of Beautha road form bazaar bridge has been completed.

5.3.10 Weak Local Government

At the present system, local government bodies are subject to strong control from higher level authorities (i.e. the central government). The central government, particularly the approving authority of the organogram of City Corporations and Pourashava. The national government enacts legislation on local bodies and formulates detailed rules relating to operation, substantially controls the personnel system of local bodies (i e. assessment of taxes, making of contracts, appointment and service matters of local government employment, accounts and audit)and conducting powers and duties of local government and many other important areas. This has serious implication in development and management of every activity of Pourashava including operation and maintenance of open space (Box 5.2, 5.3). Moreover, Pourashava officials also accused of lack of feeling for aesthetic value (Box 5.3) and lack of knowledge of non-monetary value of open space (Box 5.3).

Box-5.9: Key Informant Interview (ZilaParishad Chief Executive Officer)

Mr. Shah Kamal Mridha is the CEO of Manikganj zila parishad. He expressed that there is no doubt about the shortage of open space for recreational purpose in Manikganj Pourashava. Maximum school/ college has no playground. Moreover, there is a strong community and social pressure to develop open space for recreational space. He said that the main reason is lacking of willingness thereafter high land value and most importantly financial constraint of Pourashava.

Pourashava is not well managed with challenges owing to lack of planning, weak governance, limited financial and human resources. Here is also lack of monitoring and enforcement of land use policies

5.3.11 Lack of Perception and Less Priority Project Open space is a neglected element to develop and for that embedding park as a “requirement” in the planning process, initiating steps to provide different types of park for different user groups across the Pourashava, budgetary allocations for development and maintenance, and eviction of illegal occupancy from existing open space etc. activities would need to initiate to improve open space facilities in secondary town. Open space are getting less priority project

79 in both central and local authorities. There is assumption that open space projects are not able to bring immediate return. Moreover, Most of the cases Pourashavas are not financially capable to initiate a project like development of open space/park as well as development of open space projects are considered as less priority project. Other development projects like; market, bus stand, bazaar, housing schemes etc. get the priority because of their high potentiality of immediate return.

Box-5.10: Key Informant Interview (Associate Professor of Jahangirnagar University)

Dr. Golam Moinuddin was the Head of Department of Urban and Regional Planning in Jahangirnagar University. He said that open space is an inadequate, unplanned, neglected element of any secondary town. The main constraints to develop open space in the Pourashava are Lack of vision/s, funding, perception on its necessity by the concerned

authority.

Embedding park as a “requirement” in the planning process, initiating steps to provide different types of park for different user groups across the Pourashava, budgetary allocations for development and maintenance, eviction of illegal occupancy from existing parks etc. activities would need to initiate to improve open space facilities in secondary town. Imposing existing laws and regulations would be sufficient to stop encroachment of

existing open space. Moreover, convincing community about the necessity and benefits of

having parks is very important. Moreover, he thinks establishment of separate government agency for open space and recreation provision cannot improve the situation.

5.3.12 Lack of Coordination among Different Authorities The different agencies are involved in providing of open space they are not working in a coordinated manner. They are trying to escape from their responsibilities and are blaming each other.

5.4 Problem Tree of Open Space Problem tree analysis shows that lack of open space is the main problem of open space provision of Manikganj. There are many causes associated with Pourashava administrative and institutional capacity among them the central cause is lack of financial capacity of Pourashava and other many causes are closely linked with this. Pourashava has not yet been prepared any development plan and for that the town is growing very haphazardly. Moreover, existing open spaces are being occupied with construction but to take any legal measures in this regard is not possible. Open space projects are getting less priority in all phases and they are neglected aspect of development. There are many effects that are involved with the lack of open space. .

Problem Tree of Open space Pollution Increased Health Cost Crime Lack of Vegetation and

Poor Performance of Trees Anti-social Activity Child

Encroachment of Land and Interrupted Social Child Health and Mental River Bank Effects Cohesion Growth Affected Beautification and Poor physical Activity Aesthetically Hampered

Environmental Poor/ Lack of Recreational Degradation (Air and Facility Water pollution)

Lack of Open Space Problems

Weak local governance Lack of financial Lack of Development capacity Lack of Coordination Plan

among the Responsible Lack of Automation of Department Pourashava Lack of available land

Lack of Pourashava Acquisition Power Less Priority Project Town Planning Lack of Land capacity Acquisition Power Lack of Awareness and Causes Interest of Responsible Authority Low Penalty for Lack of Proper Standard

Violation of Plan for Open Space Planning Lack of Knowledge of Provisions

Community People Lack of Staffing and Lack of land Training Acquisition Power and Low Land and Intensity land scarcity of Flooding High Land Price

Figure 5.1: Problem tree of open space in Manikganj Pourashava

5.5 Actors Involved in the Open Space Development To identify the potential role player / actors (National and local level) to develop and manage open space, Venn diagram has been used. The relationship among the institution and their responsibilities has been analysed. Following institutes have direct and indirect role to develop, operate and maintain open space in Manikganj.

5.5.1 Institutions at local level

Manikganj Pourashava Manikganj Pourashavais responsible for creation of open spaces, parks and gardens within their limit by the ordinance. However, unfortunately Manikganj Pourashava has not yet created/ maintained any park or play ground in the town. They have no budget allocation for open space creation and preservation. According to the Pourashava ordinance 2009, it is clearly mentioned that Pourashava should manage the open space and playground for recreation of the dwellers. Pourashava can undertake development projects for the welfare of the parks, playgrounds, parks and play lots but Pourashava cannot change the land use of open spaces.

DC Office The primary functions of the DC are conducting revenue collection, maintaining law and order, accelerating economic development, ensuring coordination in all government activities related to ‘nation building’, and encouraging and collaborating with local self-government initiatives. There are certain complexities regarding the ownership of property between the Pourashava and the D.C office. However, the Khas land and vested properties are recorded or titled under the name of the D.C and conflicts and disputes arises to take any development project on khas land. Khas lands are public land that could be made best use for community purpose.

Zila Parishad Zila Parishad makes plans for natural resource management and development, encourage and initiate tree plantation programmes and assist various organizations in their development efforts. Zila Parishad performs various types of development activities but they have limited

83 funding of ADP. For this reason, they have the motivation to develop park but they don’t have capability to do. NGO and CBO

NGO and CBOs can play a significant role in creating aesthetically pleasing and environment-friendly surroundings and landscape. The NGOs of Manikganj are Socio Economic and Environment Development Sangstha, Association for Rural Advancement in Bangladesh (ARAB), Agrapathik Development Foundation many other NGO s are working in Manikganj Pourashava are and can take play in maintaining and developing open space.

Educational Institution

In operating and preserving open space the educational institution of Manikganj is playing a significant role. However, maximum number educational institutes haven’t any open space or playground and also lack of maintenance budget for open space.

Private Land Owner

The role of private land owner is very significant for any type of development in Pourashava area If Pourashava takes any development work the benefit goes to private land owner. But if Pourashava requires land for any development project the land owner does not feel interest to give land. Moreover, due to failure of execution of the powers of charging betterment fee, all benefits of land value enhancement due to Pourashava development projects goes to the land owner. Upazila Office

SadarUpazila office is the key functionary of the Upazila administration. Sometimes it gives good suggestions to the Pourashava authority. SadarUpazila office takes development work within their control area. They can develop park, playground, open space and recreation space within the Upazila head quarter to serve the purpose of the staffs of Sadar Thana.

5.5.2 Institutions at National Level

The development of open space is not solely local bodies concern. As mentioned earlier there are several other agencies which is entrusted by law for developing open space.

Bangladesh Planning Commission

The Bangladesh Planning Commission is the central planning organization of the country. It determines objectives, goals and strategies of medium and short-term plans within the framework of long-term perspective and formulates policy measures for the achievement of planned goals and targets. The planning commission formulates the ADP of the government of Bangladesh in the light of basic objectives and goals stated in a Five-Year Plan. The draft is then placed for the approval of the executive committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC). The Planning Commission is the approving authority of the public sector projects.

Local Government Engineering Department (LGED)

LGED is a public sector organization under the ministry of Local Government, Rural Development & Cooperatives. The Pourashavas’ various project work performance is monitored by the LGED. There are a number of projects are ongoing by LGED in different areas of Pourashava but unfortunately there is no project which is fully focused open space development.

National Sports Council National Sports Council (NSC) is the apex sports organization of Bangladesh. Every year It allocates budget for the improvement, operation and maintenance cost of stadium/ sport complex. The existing stadium of Manikganj Pourashava requires renovation and maintenance. For this, it requires a big amount of budget from NSC.

Ministry of LGRD&C Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives (LGRD&C)) identifies the key issues, needs, problems, development fund for development work. It pointed out that the different projects across the country for development work .Ministry of LGRD&C substantially controls the personnel system of Pourashava. It controls the functional jurisdiction and also closely supervise, controls finance, and can wield power by reducing or enhancing grant-in-aid to Pourashava. However, if it emphasizes open space development projects, it will be easier to provide open space in Pourashava.

Ministry of Land The important aims and objectives of Ministry of Land are management and settlement of the Government owned lands (khas lands, vested properties and abandoned properties). Acquisition and requisition of land are also important responsibilities of this ministry. Thus this ministry is in charge of land administration, management and development for the benefit of the people of Bangladesh. Khas lands are public land that should be made best use for community purpose.

5.6 Institutional Relationship among the Organization in Developing and Managing Open Space Pourashava could provide arrangement of open space provision as per the Local Government Act (Pourashava) 2010.Not only Manikganj Pourashava is responsible for creation, preservation of open spaces within their limit but also there are other local and national level institutions directly or indirectly involved in open space development in Pourashava area. Evidence shows that open space planning, management, provision, maintenance is bothered by the lack of coordination of inter-departmental activities of national and local level. In this respect, the lack of coordination among concerned departments causes main obstacle and delays in implementation of open space, and the situation becomes worse when the implementation depends on foreign funds.

Pourashavas are moreover often constrained by government orders. Pourashava receives support of developmental agencies of the central government in implementing donor- supported projects. The Planning Commission, the approving authority of the public sector projects, on principal prioritizes those projects that pay back costs of development. In this regard, appropriate attention is required for open space development. Not only Government organizations but also private, land owner, NGO, CBO have great influence to develop open space project in Pourashava area.

The professionals and key informants have agreed (Box 5.4 and 5.10) that lack of coordination and jurisdiction of their responsibility makes more complicated the institutional arrangement of open space of secondary town.

Figure 5.2: Venn- Diagram for Institution Relationship Analysis

Planning Commissio n National Sports Council Ministry of Land

D C Office

Ministry of NGO and LGRD Private

sector investment Legend

Pouroshova Boundary Zila More Influence Pourashava Parishad Educational Less Influence Authority Institute Interaction throughout the Process

More Strong

Less Strong

Type of Interaction Sadar LGED Upazila One Way Private Office Both Way land

owner

5.7 SWOT Analysis of Manikganj Pourashava to Provide and Manage Open Space

SWOT is a planning tool used to understand the Strengths (S), Weaknesses (W), Opportunities (O), and Threats (T) involved of an organization. The information documented in the SWOT analysis will focuses on strengths, minimize weaknesses, address threats, and take the greatest possible advantage of opportunities available. The table (Table 5.2) provides the SWOT analysis for developing, operating and managing open space in Manikganj Pourashava.

Table 5.2: SWOT analysis of open space provision of Manikganj Pourashava

Strength Weakness

 Two large playground Govt.  Absence of any development plan Debendro College and Govt. Boys for the town (Box 5.3). High School.  Limited number of open space with  There are good numbers of water respect to its area and population bodies within the municipality (Box 5.7). (Box 5.1)  Uneven distribution of open space  Two rivers running beside the within the town (Box 5.4). town.  Children park appears to be out of  Stadium is located within date due lack of maintenance.

Pourashava area.  Lack of coordination among  Officer’s club offers tennis court, agencies on maintenance of open Internal table tennis, billiard board for govt. space.(Box 5.10) officials.  Lack of interest of funding agencies  Scope of river bank for recreational on development of open space (Box development (Box 5.1) 5.3)  Court bridge canal running inside  Unplanned development within the town have opportunity to use by Pourashava. increasing the navigability and  Lack of monitoring and enforcement preventing encroachment (Box of land use policies(Box 5.7) 5.5).  Pressure of housing development to  Vastly underdeveloped and vested meet the demand of Dhaka (Box

land inside the Pourashava area 5.3). (Box 5.2)  Comparatively lower density of population and built environment (Box 5.2)  There is a strong community and social pressure to develop open space(Box 5.7)  Manikganj has a reasonably good transport system with the country especially with Dhaka. Opportunities Threat

 The Pourashava Council (Mayor  No funding on managing and and councilors) has significant maintaining of open space till willingness to develop open space date(Box 5.4) (Box 5.1&5.2).  Increasing trend of land price.  Parks and recreation areas have  The Pourashava is located in flood multiplier effect on land and real plain of the Jamuna river(Box 5.2). estate value. (Box 5.5).  Lack of future planning and  Scope for higher property tax development plan.

(Box5.5).  High interference of central

 Opportunities for economic government and national xternal External development and job creation. government in Pourashava affair  Khas lands that can be used for (Box 5.8). open space (Box)  Khas lands are also encroached and  Low price for acquiring land in sometimes target of connivance and underdeveloped area. unscrupulous and beau acratic  DC office, NGO and Private sector approaches (Box ) investment and educational  Lack of technical manpower in

institute has great influence (Figure Pourashava organizational structure

5.2) revealed in Venn diagram. (Box5.8 ).  Lack of awareness of community XTERNAL Xternal

and Pourashava authority about the recreation, environment and

ecological and aesthetic issues (Box 5.3).  Strong influence of ministry of LGRD to receive projects (Figure 5.2).

The above SWOT analysis shows that there are two very big Govt. Debendro College and another one is Govt. Boys High School which can be used more extensively. Installing more amenities and proper maintenance can offer pleasant and attractive site for the users. Beautha riverside and a number of water bodies can be very attractive site for open space because of enjoyable natural settings. However, there are a number of weakness too since very limited number of open space with respect to its area and population. Most distressed factor is management and maintenance aspect because maintenance is almost absent. Furthermore, new open space will offer economic development and job creation. Moreover, It has also multiplier effect on land value. The significant threat of creating open space is increasing trend of high land price and land scarcity in urban area.

5.8 Potential Open Spaces Urban open space is essential constituents of the urban environment, for that reason this study introduces a process of analyzing potential areas for expansion of open space. To identify new potential space it needs to be evaluated according to the land use regulation, quantity, accessibility and sustainability. To develop new open space site must have the master plan of the Pourashava however, Manikganj doesn’t have any master plan and regulations yet. Moreover, population projection and demand analysis of local people is very important because the reflection of future need to be incorporated to the open space plan. This study employs multiple approaches to analyze the existing conditions and identification of the potential areas to expand and develop new open space. This research has tried to find out some potential open spaces considering the following criterion through some stages.

5.8.1 Stages of Potentiality Evaluation To analyze the potentiality of open space the field visit experience and review of literature have been used very extensively. The field survey gives the idea of existing landuse and potential location of open space. To assess the demand and choice of location it has been used questionnaire interview and Focus Group Discussion (FGD) information especially the children’s demand of different ages. The information of key informant interview has given the most priority to select the places. Most importantly, the locations and condition of existing open space has been analyzed because the ward no 4 ,5 and 8 have no open space and ward no 1, 2 and 9 have very inadequate open space compared to population and land area. As a result this research tries to find more options for potential location of open space. To select the location this study uses the standards of DTIDP and planning guidelines. Since, a number of key informant interview emphasized that khas land is a good option to offer civic facilities to citizens and this study uses the information of khas land which are suitable for potential open space.

5.8.2 Evaluation Criteria of Potentiality Quality and Suitability Analysis Quality and suitability are big factor for location analysis because land for open space needs to be naturally attractive and consistent with the natural settings. It should cover threshold people of the required service.

Quantity of Available Space There should be sufficient land area to cover the standard of open space and requirement of local people. To offer proper amenities and facilities it will need sufficient open space.

Accessibility The site should be well accessible to all people and it needs good transport network too. The distance of local park should not be so far and possibility walking distance from local people.

Ownership of land Ownership of land is very important part because land scarcity is very common. Privately owned land requires acquisition or need to buy, which seems to be costly, tedious and time consuming. Government has land or vested land easier to develop but the ownership

91 inventory was not easily available and there is no sufficient large area to offer for open space (Box 5.6).

The study found that there is lack of total 129 acres of land for open space according to the standard of DTIDP. Moreover, more importantly there is no open space in Ward no 4 and ward no 5 and ward no1 has only 1.403 acres of land which denotes 0.123acre per thousand population.

Table 5.3: Potential location of open space in ManikganjPourashava

Park Playground Others Total Ward no area(acre) No. area(acre) No. area(acre) No. area(acre) % Ward 1 3.70 1 0 0 0 0 3.70 6.08 Ward 2 7.45 4 4.74 3 0 0 12.19 20.02 Ward3 5.86 1 0 0 0 5.86 9.62 Ward 4 8.53 4 2.98 2 0 0 11.51 18.91 Ward 5 1.00 1 2.84 1 0 0 3.74 6.14 Ward 6 0.90 0 0.06 1(Partial) 0 0 0.06 0.10 Ward 7 1.17 2 1.76 1 .24 1 3.17 5.21 Ward 8 3.07 1 3.5 1 0 0 6.57 10.79 Ward 9 1.80 1 7.41 2 5.15 1 14.09 23.14 Total 3.48 15 23.29 10 5.39 2 60.88 100

Total fifteen (15) parks and twelve(10)playgrounds have been proposed of total 60.88 acres of land. The proposed potential open spaces are in large quantity in the ward no 9, 2 and 4 respectively because of land availability and environmental settings. All of the potential sites have good accessibility and demand to make potential open space according to survey and interview. The map 5.1 shows the potential spots for location of open space.

There is a scope of use khas land in potential open space of one park (partial) of ward 5, one park (partial) of ward 4 and one park of ward 9 because the record of khas land reveals that there is large amount of government lands are available . It is proposed to use all the khals and bank of the river as potential sources of open space since most of them area khas land. It is also possible to build green belt on the bank of the river.

5.9 Conclusion This chapter focuses on the role of Pourashava regarding the provision and maintenance of open space as well as it also tries to find out the institutional problems to provide required open space facility. It also analyses the SWOT of the Manikganj Pourashava in providing and managing open space facilities and link the institutional relationships by drawing Venn Diagram. Most of the cases there are lack of coordination among the institution of ownership, land acquisition power, jurisdiction of responsibility and policy support. Local government support is critical to the long-term sustainability of open space management and development. Partnerships, good interaction with community groups, non-profit organizations, private investment and most importantly local government agencies will likely yield spaces that meet community requirements for open space development. KIIs confirm that open space projects are considered as less priority project and neglected aspect of development. Development projects like; road, market, bus stand, bazaar, housing schemes etc. get the priority because of their high potentiality of immediate return. They have recommended on the launching of a public campaign for awareness generation on open space, playgrounds and parks. In addition the importance of developing planning standards and guidelines for different types of open space. They also focused on to make development plan for Manikganj Pourashava as soon as possible.

CHAPTER 6

RECOMMENDATION AND CONCLUSION

6.1 Introduction

This chapter presents the overview of the research in terms of research aim and objectives and explanation on the extent of the achievement of the objectives. It discusses the key research findings. It is very difficult to make any rigorous judgement regarding the reforms and institutional capacity building of Mnikganj Pourashava because the revenue performance is widely related to all reforms of open space management. Finally, this chapter concludes the research with recommendation based on the research findings.

6.2 Findings of the Study According to Pourashava ordinance 2009, Manikganj Pourashava is liable for creation of open spaces, parks and gardens within their area limit. However, it doesn’t take initiative to make legitimate master plan. As a result, they fail to pursue for the development of open space projects in the area. This consequences, currently has not any development plan and open space planning system of Manikganj Pourashava. However, the municipality should have an obligation to infrastructure development and open space in an environmentally responsible manner.

It is identified that at present there is no proper standards to develop master plan for secondary town. So, specific planning standards should be made for urban areas for our country by the planning authorities. Absence of proper standards has led to the unplanned development. At present Pourashavas of our country are following a guideline developed by Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) for preparing master plans for Pourashavas under Zila towns are District Towns Infrastructure Development Project (DTIDP) and Upazila towns are Upazila Towns Infrastructure Development Project (UTIDP). As a result, setting appropriate planning standards for open space is very important to ensure livable urban environment.

In this study, it comes evident that open space is important to the local community and an effective system of open space management should be implemented because there is a big shortage of open space especially for recreational purposes. According to the standard of DTIDP project it has shortage of 128 acres of land. The Ward no 4, 5 and 8 have no open space and most of the open spaces are concentrated in Ward 6 and 7. So, the citizens of the mentioned three wards are facing problem of recreation facility very severely.

Chapter four focused that open spaces distribution and condition are very poor due to inadequate open space as well as lack of infrastructure facilities, maintenance and management condition. The stadium provides some recreational opportunities for youths but its condition is not good due to lack of proper maintenance. The lakes and riverside are mostly occupied with land encroachment, garbage dumping, littering, ill maintenance and by the influential people. Playgrounds and parks condition is also poor because of physical, environmental, maintenance and management situation. The main problems are broken swing and slide, shortage of play equipment, lack of cleaning, absence of boundary walls, and insecurity.

Due to shortage of open space the citizen needs to cross more than half a mile (0.5) but they wouldn’t like to go so far. As a result it needs to chose and prioritizing project in appropriate location by suitability analysis.

Manikganj Pourashava doesn’t have any yearly budget allocation for open space management. It is observed that the Pourashava authority has lack of resources and capital funding and fails to make required investments in the development and enhancing open space. Moreover, a dominant viewing problem regarding open space is that they feel that open spaces is not profitable and financially viable for the organization.

Local government bodies (Pourashava) are subject to strong control from higher level authorities, especially the central government and most of the time open space project are getting less priority project which is emphasized in the key informant interview. The governance programmes of Pourashava are operated based on project wise according to the formulated policies of the implementing agencies of the national government in this regards, though Pourashava is a democratic organization but they are heavily controlled by national government.

Lack of finance is a great problem and many other problems arises associated with this for instance lack of staffing and training, land acquisition, lack of maintenance and so on. Moreover, Pourashava has not in the power to acquire the land to develop a new project and according to the khas land policies Pourashava is not empowered to use khas land for development projects.

6.3 Recommendations 6.3.1 Finance for Open Space Allocate Budget Pourashava with its present financial resource is not sufficient is very commonly answered during interview and survey session. Pourahava needs to adopt institutional change and radical method in raising fund. Moreover, the BMDF is open to finance municipal governments for all kinds of urban infrastructure and services including park.

Dedicated Property Tax A portion of property tax which is collected by Pourashava, should be preserved for open space development and allocating in annual budget.

Promote Private Sector to Invest Government sector should encourage private sector to invest their fund to establish new parks. Small scale children park, amusement park with ticketing system can run in a profitable way.

Budget Allocation of Educational Institute Every educational institution should maintain yearly budget allocation for proper management and maintenance of their playground.

Trust for Open Space A trust can be established by the central government to work for the urban open space throughout the country. They will manage funds from alternative sources (central government, international donation, public donation etc.) and will help local governments to implement their open space projects and programs.

6.3.2 Intervention of Planning Aspects Enacting Proper Standard, Planning, and Design There is no fixed standard for physical development of Zila and Upazila level town. In these consequences, specific standards protected by law, should be developed that will help to ensure proper allocation for open space facilities in planned physical development. Various standards of different countries and cities may ensure the quantity (amount) of open space. High quality open space includes a number of indicators and variables for different types of open space. Proper planning, maintenance and design of open space can ensure the open space development properly.

Preparing and Implementing Development Plan Development plans have a key role to play in protecting and promoting high quality open space. Since, Manikganj Pourashava doesn’t have a legitimate master plan, it fails to pursue the development of open space projects. If Manikganj Pourashava would have a master plan it would be easier to develop open space projects because master plan must have a number of designated locations to develop open space.

Land Pooling and Land Banking Land availability is a big concern for new open space development is emphasized by a number of key informant, described in the chapter five. The scarcity and price of land is ever increasing. To protect from land complication the authorities should adopt land pooling and land banking techniques in peripheral area in low price for future open space project development.

Ward and Population wise Open Space It has been observed that there is no equity to the distribution of open space either ward wise or residents living in Manikganj Pourashava. Ward no 4, 5 and 8 have no open space so, it becomes an urgent need to develop open space in these three wards.

Extensive Use of Existing open space Since, land scarcity is a big problem to provide new park or play ground in many ward areas, the two large playgrounds Govt. Debendro College and Govt. Boys High School can be used extensively by proper maintenance and improvement project. Moreover, play ground in front of stadium and its periphery area is big resource to use as recreation facility.

Use of Khal and River Bank To ensure new open space, the sites of periphery of urban area and Kaliganga river bank and court bridge khal could be potential location for open space development. The khal and river needs to excavate to ensure original flow of water and to retain navigation and some beautification program will ensure a recreation facility.

Khas Land Settlement Policies Since 1950 there are a number of khas land policies have been promulgated but none of them is sufficient to settle khas land disputes and there is also big problem with khas land record keeping. It needs more effective khas land policies and the central actors involved of khas land delivery (government officials and public representatives) should be more efficient and transparent. If khas land is easily accessible to develop open space it will offer more new open space in Pourashava.

Settlement Land Ownership Disputes There is complexity regarding the ownership of property between the Pourashava and the D.C office. The (Khas) vested properties are recorded or titled under the name of the D.C and such conflict becomes obvious because Khas lands are public land that could be made best use for community purpose. DC office is the owner of the land of children’s park of Manikganj but the play equipment (swings, slides, seats, plantation) were installed by Manikganj Pourashava. For many years Pourashava has demanded the ownership of the land of children’s park from DC office but DC office has not yet set this. Children Park maintenance would be faster if the ownership is handed to Pourashava authority which is stated by the Key Informant Interview (Pourashava mayor). There are some water bodies within the Pourashava area is still owned by Zila Parishad which can be hand over to Pourashava authority thus Pourashava could use them for some recreational purposes.

Ensure Multi Use Many government organizations in Manikganj like police lines, Ansar, PWD, Roads and Highway and Upazila head quarter e.tc have many reserved open space area but they are not accessible for all. These spaces can be offered to use and make accessible to the children and youth of the community for a particular time of the day and weekends.

Permission New Educational Institute with Play Ground Making provision of playground mandatory with the recommended size (recommended size is 2 acres) for planning approval of new school and college should be strictly maintained and will create scope for new open space.

6.3.3 Maintenance of Existing Open Space Renovation and Protecting Open Spaces With regular maintenance and renovation of the existing children park is urgently needed because the condition of park is out of date. According to field survey data it perceives that if the children park is properly renovated it will be able to serve a large number of children. Proper supervision and monitoring of existing open spaces by the authorities and protecting existing facilities from intrusion or other inconsistent use and regular maintenance is important. Moreover, to protect the existing playground and open space, the list and the map should be publicly available at the Ward level so that the community can resist conversion of these play and recreation areas into other land use. It is important to include all existing open space in the future master plan of Pourashava to protect the existing playgrounds and parks from further encroachment and misuse.

Regular Maintenance and Stop Encroachment of River and Khal Side Though Manikganj Pourashava has very limited number of open spaces but none of them maintained by the Pourashava authority. The playgrounds and park maintenance condition should be improved. The sides of Court Bridge’ khal and Kaliganga River could be a greater source of recreation. Necessary steps should be taken to ensure demolition of illegal structures, market, shops, construction of debris, illegal infrastructure from the sides of khal. The khal is thus narrowed, reducing its natural flow and limiting the navigability. s

6.3.4 Awareness Generation Motivation of the Decision Makers

A number of survey and research perceived that open space and recreation is neglected area to improve in our country. The common idea of decision makers regarding the open space projects is “financially loss” project. Central government and other public forums should organize seminar, meetings and processions to catch the attention of policy makers and

100 politicians to let them know the importance of preserving open space. The different type of media coverage may give better result of it.

Active Involvement of Local Government Generally, local leaders are invaluable to the projects/initiatives however, they can embrace a valuable support for real implementation of open space creation and preservation projects. Perception and motivation of mayor, councilors of Pourashava for any physical plan is very important.

Encourage Public Participation To improve the quality of environment and open space development public participation is important. Community and stakeholder inclusion in assessing appropriate demand for open space facilities is very important. It is observed that the local people of Manikganj Pourashava are aware on necessity of recreation facilities on their living environment.

6.3.5 Execution of Laws

Absence of adequate planning and development control is a problem in all urban areas of Bangladesh and Manikganj is no exception of it. There are a number of legislative measures to administer the urban open area development and management. Protecting existing facilities from intrusion or other inconsistent use is very important at the same time proper monitoring and ensuring of residential land development projects with appropriate building construction rule.

Playgrounds, Open Space, Park and Natural Water Bodies Protection Act 2000 Manikganj Pourashava area has a number of water bodies, lakes, rivers, this Act should be followed to maintain the open space and water bodies. The section 36 of this Act refers the use of all playgrounds, open spaces, parks and natural water bodies of municipality areas to protect and cannot be changed under any circumstances. Moreover, the Act also protects any sort of commercial use and tree cutting of the protected area (Bangladesh Gazette, 2000).

Local government Act 2009 (Pourashava) The most important is to activate effectively the ‘Town Level Coordination Committee (TLCC) and Ward Level Coordination Committee (WLCC)’ as per the Local Government Act (Pourashava) 2009 and they would contribute to open space development in local area.

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Other rules and codes Bangladesh National Building Code (BNBC), 1993; Building Construction Rule, 1996; Planning Rules for Real Estate Companies aim to ensure maintaining set back rules, Floor is Ratio (FAR), restoration of historic buildings. Maintaining Floor Area Ratio (FAR) will offer a great amount of open space provision. Building Construction Rule, 1996 Section 18 provides provision on healthy and environment friendly building development. Proper monitoring of residential land development projects and apartment complex projects for assessment of open space and recreational facilities.

6.3.6 Arrange Proper Institutional Arrangement

Separate Government Agency Open space and recreation facility development responsibility lies to different agencies, a separate agency should be solely responsible for the development, maintenance and protection of existing open space and recreation provision. A separate government agency can be formed with committed professionals from urban planning, architecture, social development, transportation and infrastructure planning backgrounds.

Separate Planning Department in Pourashava

To strengthen capacity of Pourashava needs further human resources strengthening and more planning expert which are described in the chapter five in key informant interview. Proposed separate planning division in the chapter three may encourage all types of planning and development work of Pourashava. Like developed country, a department with complete responsibility for open space creation, design and maintenance can be established by the Planners, Architects, landscape Architects, Surveyors and Gardeners etc. This department would work with the open space plan, tree plantation and beautification, acquisition and maintenance of open space.

6.4 Comprehensive Framework for Research

Appropriate guidelines, policy issues and institutional arrangements are key elements for the development of urban open space in a sustainable living environment. The growing demand for a high quality of life has coincided with a deep concern for the availability and quality of

102 urban open spaces. Most studies have proved that urban open space is an important element for urban environment and the quality of life. It is widely accepted that urban open spaces impart a range of benefits to urban dwellers including recreational opportunities, improved air quality, better public health and so on. So therefore, it is vital to have open space in long term planning in order to avoid long term negative consequences. For development and management of open space, there is no comprehensive legitimate master plan or guidelines of Manikganj Pourashava. Moreover, there is no appropriate record of existing open space facilities of Manikganj Pourashava. In order to overcome this limitation, special effort was made to identify, validate and digitize all the open spaces as well as other land use elements, condition of open space has surveyed as well as opinion from different perspective regarding open space have collected. Which are all would be great contribution to the professionals to carry out further research. Further research can be done on potential location analysis, organizational strengthening techniques, need assessment, demand supply gap analysis and public participation on open space development. Moreover, the future research could be on how children include their ideas in urban open space development

6.5 Conclusion The main purpose of this research was to draw up the open space setting of Manikganj Pourashava and to describe the institutional intervention in open space in secondary town. It is revealed that there is a great mismatch between demand and supply of open space. Analysis has been carried out in a different number of ways and it becomes evident that supply of open space is very inadequate and condition is very unsatisfactory to the users. It tries to find out the reasons behind the unsatisfactory condition. It also analyzed the institutional opinion and limitations to provide open space and the relation of other authorities with Pourashava to provide open space. It tried to address the existing problems of open space development as well as it focuses the possible solutions of the problems. Based on the findings, the study suggests that institutional capacity strengthening requires in the field of funding, planning and standard, qualified professionals, and skilled workforce. It needs a legitimate master plan otherwise it will grow spontaneously without any planning intervention.

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Reforming the institutional arrangements is necessary to develop open space delivery in Pourashava. Similar partnerships may be forged among the public sector and NGOs and the private sector. The role of civil society is also important in mobilizing open space facilities.

Lack of awareness and the negative attitudes to the value of open spaces are the underlying causes and obstacles of open space development. Awareness generation among the service providers and local people is very important in creating a supportive environment for open space creation. Moreover, involving the local stakeholders in all activities of open space management will be beneficial.

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14. Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEAT), South Africa, Annual report, 1994-1995, 1995. 15. Durban Metropolitan Council, Development Planning Service Unit: Environmental Branch., DMOSS Framework Plan, 1999. 16. Gehl, J., “Life between Buildings: Using Public Space”, translated by Koch J, New York., 1987. 17. GOB, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, East Bengal Building Construction Act, 1953, pp. 5-6, 1953. 18. GOB, Ministry of Law and Parliamentary Affairs, Building Construction (Amendment) Act, Bangladesh Gazette, Dhaka, 1996. 19. GOB, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, Paurashava Ordinance, 1977. 20. Gold, S. M., “Recreation Planning and Development. New York”, McGraw-Hill, 1980. 21. GOB, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh Ministry of Law and Justice, “Local Government (Pourashava) Act”, 2009. 22. A Guide to Open Space Design Development in Halifax Regional Municipality, 2007. 23. Hassan .Md. N., “A study on present status and potential locations of open spaces in the Chittagong City corporation area”. Unpublished MURP Thesis, Submitted to the Urban and Regional Planning, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), 2008. 24. Halifax Regional Municipality., Case 17736, “Open Space Design Development, Brook hill Drive, Grand lake” 2014. 25. Herrera, Allen, “Access to khas land in Bangladesh: Discussion on the opportunities and challenges for landless people, and recommendations for development practitioners”, 2016. 26. Hossain, Md. M., “Recreational Facilities in Residential Neighbourhoods in Khulna: A Study of Some Selected Areas”MURP Thesis, Submitted to the Urban and Regional Planning, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), Dhaka, Bangladesh.2004. 27. Hossain, Z., “Open Spaces and Water Bodies in Cities” paper presented at the Environmental Workers Training Workshop, April 17-20, 2002, Forum for Planned Chittagong.2002.

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28. Islam, F Problems and prospects of development of outdoor recreational facilities in Savar Municipality”. Unpublished MURP Thesis, Submitted to the Urban and Regional Planning, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), Dhaka, Bangladesh, 2009. 29. Islam, Md. M., Kawsar, Md. A., and Ahmed, R. U., “Open Space in Dhaka City: A Study on Use of Parks in Dhaka City Corporation Area”. BURP Thesis, Submitted to the Urban and Regional Planning, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), 2002. 30. Jane M. Davis., “Getting and Keeping Open Space, Year Book of Agriculture- A Place to Live”. p. 337, 1963. 31. Kabir, K.E., “The problems and prospects of Children’s Recreation park Parks in Dhaka City”. MURP Thesis, Submitted to the Urban and Regional Planning, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), 2004. 32. Keeble L., “Principles and Practices of Town and Country Planning”. The Estate Gazette Limited, London. 1969. 33. Lancaster R. A.,“Recreation Park and Open Spaces Standards and Guidelines", National Recreation and Park Association, 1990. 34. LGED, 2009 “A Collection of Town Planning Standard Development of Planning Standardsfor Preparing Master Plans for Pourashavas under UTIDP”, Urban Governance andInfrastructure Improvement Project, Local Government Engineering Department,Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Dhaka. 35. Master Plan Group of Offices, Karachi Strategic Development Plan, Karachi, 2007). 36. Nabi, M., “Study of Open Space in Dhaka City”. Dissertation presented to the Development Planning Unit, University College, London, 1978. 37. Pejabat Menteri Kementerian Wilayah Persekutuan., Kuala Lumpur Structure Plan 2020, Kuala Lumpur Planning 68, (1) (5/15): 129-38, 2004. 38. Planning Information and Technical Administration Unit, Hong Kong Planning Standards and Guidelines- Summary, Hong Kong, 2008. 39. RAJUK, Dhaka Metropolitan Development Plan (DMDP), Rajdhani Unnayan Kortipokha, Dhaka, 1995. 40. RAJUK, Building Construction Rule Dhaka1996.

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41. Rogers, R., “Towards an urban renaissances final report of the urban task force,” chaired by lord Rogers of riverside, Department of Environment, Transport and Regions, London, 1999. 42. GOB, Land Development Rules for Private HousingProjects, Ministry of Housing and Public Works, Government of Peoples’ Republic of Bangladesh, 2004. 43. Schopfer, E., S. Lang, and T. Blaschke., “A "green index" incorporating remote sensing and citizen’s perception of green space”. Centre for Geo-informatics, University of Salzburg, Austria, 2004. 44. Siddiqui, Md. M. R., “Recreational Facilities in Dhaka City: A Study of Existing Parks and Open Spaces”, MURP Thesis, Submitted to the Urban and Regional Planning, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), Dhaka, Bangladesh 1990. 45. Sports Council Act, Bangladesh Gazette, Extraordinary, Act No. LVII of 1974), Dhaka, 1974. 46. Sunarja, A., Wood, G. and Giles-Corti, B., 2008, A Factsheet on Healthy Public Open Space Design for Multi-Users and Multi-Uses, Perth, Western Australia: Centre For The Built Environment and Health, School of Population Health, The University Of Western Australia. Viewed on 3 March 2009, www.populationhealth.uwa.edu.au 47. Sutton, C. M. Urban Open Space: “A Case Study of Msunduzi Municipality, South Africa”, 2008. 48. Tankel, S, L. Wing (ed.), “Cities and Spaces: The Future Use of Urban Spaces”. Baltimore Hopkins, 1963. 49. Thompson, Catharine Ward., “The Importance of Open Space inthe Urban Pattern. (2002). Urban open space in the 21st century. Landscape and Urban Planning 60, (2) (7/30): 59-72. 50. Urban Governance and Infrastructure Improvement Project, UGIIP, Municipal Infrastructure developmentplans (MIDP) 2006. Local Government Engineering Department, Dhaka 2006. 51. Virginia outdoor plans, “Guidelines for outdoor recreation and Planning” Appendix Cp659-673, 2007. 52. Woolley, H., “Freedom of the City: Contemporary Issues and Policy Influences on Children and young people’s use of public open space in England” Children’s Geographies, 4 (1), p.45-59, 2006.

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ANNEXURES

Annexure-1 A

Distribution of Open Space in Manikganj Pourashava

Land use Type of Open Space Name Area in acre Ward No. Open Space Playground Joinagar High School 0.22 Ward - 2 Open Space Playground Police Station 3.64 Ward - 2 Govt. Debendra Open Space Playground 2.68 Ward - 3 College Open Space Playground Model High School 0.93 Ward - 7 Open Space Stadium Manikganj Stadium 3.86 Ward - 7 Manikganj Govt. High Open Space Playground 3.49 Ward - 7 School Manikganj Govt. High Open Space Playground 0.95 Ward - 9 School Open Space Playground Pouly Primary School 0.18 Ward - 7 Near to Bandutia Open Space Other 0.72 Ward - 7 Bazar Open Space Other 0.05 Ward - 7

Open Space Other 0.21 Ward - 7

Bank of Kaliganga Open Space Other 2.39 Ward - 7 River Open Space Playground 1.07 Ward - 7

Open Space Playground 0.13 Ward - 7

Open Space Tennis Court Officers Club 0.12 Ward - 7 Open Space Playground Bandutia High School 0.42 Ward - 7 Open Space Child Park DC office 1.12 Ward - 7 Open Space Playground 4.75 Ward - 6

Open Space Playground 4.22 Ward - 6

Open Space Playground Government quater 5.26 Ward - 6 Open Space Playground Begum Jarina College 0.13 Ward - 6 Open Space Playground Town Primary School 0.04 Ward - 6 Kusher Char High Open Space Playground 0.55 Ward - 9 School Open Space Playground 0.66 Ward - 1

Open Space Playground Joyra High School 0.25 Ward - 1 Open Space Playground Uttar Seuta 0.50 Ward - 1

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Annexure-1 B

Ward Wise Land Distribution of Maniganj Pourashava

Ward-1 Ward - 2 Ward - 3 Ward - 4 Ward - 5 Ward - 6 Ward - 7 Ward - 8 Ward - 9 Land use Type acre % acre % acre % acre % acre % acre % acre % acre % acre % 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0.25 Other 0 0 0 0 2 0 9 1 0 1 0 3 0 0 2 Agricult 283 38. 556 57. 263 43. 500 58. 66. 23. 106 31. 393 52. 239 65. 643. 45. ure .11 79 .87 91 .29 69 .52 38 36 90 .93 93 .33 16 .35 20 63 06 Circulati 41. 5.6 43. 4.5 15. 2.5 15. 1.8 9.4 10. 3.1 14. 1.9 5.1 22.1 on 3.4 1.3 1.5 35 7 63 4 40 5 89 5 9 47 3 49 2 0 3 Network 2 9 5 Commer 11. 1.5 0.4 0.0 14. 2.4 0.2 0.0 0.2 0.0 24. 7.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.2 0 3.21 cial 32 5 3 4 86 7 3 3 3 8 02 7 0 0 0 2 Commu 3.8 0.5 0.3 0.0 0.0 1.7 0.2 0.1 0.0 1.9 0.2 1.2 nity 0 0 0.0 0.3 3.36 0.2 5 3 9 4 0 8 1 8 5 7 6 5 Facilities 0 4 4 Educatio 0.6 0.0 2.5 0.2 11. 1.9 0.5 0.0 2.7 1.9 0.5 1.7 0.2 0.5 n and 1.0 0.1 5.01 0.3 4 9 8 7 95 8 9 7 9 5 8 1 3 2 Research 1 4 5 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 8.6 2.3 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Forest 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 5 0 Govern 19. 2.7 2.1 0.2 6.2 1.0 0.0 0.9 7.9 2.3 9.8 1.3 13.4 ment 0 0.3 0 0.0 0.9 94 3 8 3 0 3 0 4 9 9 4 0 9 Services 4 0 4 Health 3.4 0.4 0.0 0.0 1.3 0.1 0.0 0.5 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0.31 Services 5 7 0 0 5 6 0 2 6 0 0 2 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.8 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.38 NGO 0 2 0 9 5 0 0 0 0 0 3 Open 1.4 0.1 3.8 0.4 2.6 0.4 0.0 0.0 14. 4.3 14. 1.9 0.0 0.1 0 0 0 1.50 Space 0 9 5 0 8 4 0 0 41 0 81 6 0 1 Resident 265 36. 317 32. 275 45. 202 23. 181 65. 131 39. 298 39. 80. 22. 290. 20. ial .80 42 .09 97 .73 75 .32 60 .76 46 .91 39 .99 65 89 04 29 33 Restricte 0.0 0.0 0.0 3.7 0.4 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 d Area 0 0 0 5 4 0 0 0 0 0 Service 0.0 1.3 0.1 0.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.8 0.1 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0.12 Facilities 0 4 4 7 6 0 0 0 3 1 0 1 Transpor 1.4 0.2 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 tation 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0.0 7 0 0 0 0 0 0 Facilities 0 0 0 Waterbo 97. 13. 33. 3.4 11. 1.8 130 15. 16. 5.8 36. 10. 18. 2.4 31. 8.5 444. 31. dy 46 35 24 6 29 7 .88 27 10 0 49 90 10 0 36 4 54 13 729 100 961 100 602 100 857 100 277 100 334 100 754 100 367 100 1428 100 .80 .00 .62 .00 .66 .00 .40 .00 .67 .00 .88 .00 .09 .00 .08 .00 ..22 .00

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Annexure-1C

Ward wise net population density with buffer area of open space of Manikganj Pourashava

Served Buffer Area Gross Residential Residential Population area Population (Acre) Density area(acre) Net Area(acre) Coverage (acre)

Ward-1 11,375 733.43 16 265.80 43 252.18 10792 562.98

Ward-2 8,271 969.09 9 317.09 26 226.56 5910 645.58

Ward-3 7,447 602.65 12 275.73 27 184.37 4980 395.63

Ward-4 6,126 857.40 7 202.32 30 0.00 0 0.00

Ward-5 7,030 277.67 25 181.76 39 120.18 4648 161.09

Ward-6 9,800 334.88 29 131.91 74 131.91 9800 334.88

Ward-7 11920 754.07 16 298.99 40 288.21 11490 702.53

Ward-8 2,294 419.38 5 80.89 28 68.85 1952 129.73

7,393 1004.8 Ward-9 1427.40 5 290.29 25 167.91 4276 8

71,656 3937.2 Total 6375.96 11 2044.78 35 1440.16 50468 9

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Annexure 2A Provision of open space in Manikganj Pourashava: A study from institutional aspect Questionnaire for Responsible Authority (Pourashava) Bangladesh University of Engineering &Technology, BUET Department of Urban &Regional Planning (For academic purpose only)

Questionnaire No: ------Time: ----- Date:------Name of the Interviewer:------Designation:------Authority:------Date:------Time: ------Signature:------I. Do you ever feel that open spaces are quite inadequate in the Pourashava area?

Yes No II. State the reason behind your opinion:------

III. Due to shortage of open spaces and recreation facilities, what are the problems taking place in Pourashava?------

IV. State the places that could be potential places for recreational open space ------

V. What are the reasons behind to select the places? ------

VI. Describe if any future plan/ concern of your organization about the open space of the Pourashava?------VII. Please give your profound suggestion about the performance of the present open space places and to develop new open space------

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VIII. What are the criteria(s) of good open space (Playground, Park, open space, Stadium provision, you think?------IX. Do you think, if river/lake sides are developed for recreational places, people would use them? Yes No @

X. What is basically required to develop open space in Pourashava?------XI. What are the main constraints to develop and manage open space in Pourashava?------XII. Do you think that, other Government agencies with an interest and/or impact open space, NGO, Private developers also contribute in this sector? If yes, how; if not, why explain?------XIII. Do you feel a variety of sources of funding are required for open space by related projects of Ministry of LGRD?------XIV. Do you have any fund for open space provision, development, and maintenance or to purchase for open space properties? ------XV. Do you think a master plan is essential to protect and create new open space in your Pourashava?------

XVI. What is your future development plan or vision for open space in your locality?------

XVII. Write in your own words, the prospects of open space in Pourashava ------

XVIII. What are the potential sites for new open space development?

------Thanks for your kind co-operation

Name of the interviewer: Signature

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Annexure 2B Provision of open space in Manikganj Pourashava: A study from institutional aspect

Questionnaire for Responsible Authority (DC office, Zila Parishad, Sadar District Office, Department of Environment) Bangladesh University of Engineering & Technology, BUET Department of Urban &Regional Planning (For academic purpose only) Questionnaire No: ------Time: ----- Date:------Name of the Interviewer:------Designation:------Authority:------Date:------Time: ------Signature:------I. a. General information about the authority: b. Type of institution Government (Not autonomous) Government (Autonomous) NGO Media Private organization Environmental concern

II. Do you ever feel that open space places are quite inadequate in the Pourashava area? Yes No III. State the reason behind your opinion:------IV. Due to shortage of open space and recreation facilities, what are the problems taking place in Pourashava?------V. State the places that could be potential places for recreational open space ------

VI. What are the reasons behind to select the places? ------VII. Describe if any future plan/ concern of your organization about the open space of the Pourashava?------

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VIII. Please give your profound suggestion about the performance of the present open space places and to develop new open space------IX. Do you think, if river/lake sides are developed for recreational places, people would use them? Yes No @ X. What is basically required to develop open space in Pourashava?------XI. What are the main constraints to develop open space in Pourashava?------XII. Do you think that, other Government agencies with an interest and/or impact open space, NGO, Private developers also contribute in this sector? If yes, how; if not, why explain?------XIII. Do you feel a variety of sources of funding are required for open space by related projects of Ministry of LGRD?------XIV. Do you have any fund for open space provision, development, and maintenance or to purchase for open space properties? ------XV. Do you think a master plan is essential to protect and create new open space in your Pourashava?------XVI. What is your future development plan or vision for open space in your locality?------XVII. Write in your own words, about the prospects of open space in Pourashava------Thanks for your kind co-operation

Name of the interviewer: Signature

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Annexure 2C Provision of open space in Manikganj Pourashava: A study from institutional aspect

Checklist for Focus Group Discussion Bangladesh University of Engineering & Technology, BUET Department of Urban &Regional Planning (For academic purpose only)

For Playground and Park

Observation number: Date of Observation:

Name and Location: Time of observation:

1. Major Activities 2. Minor Activities 3. Distance from Home 4. Physical problem (Amenities and Facilities)

Problems Very Average No Problems() Very Averag No Bad() () problem() Bad() e () Problem ()

Small size Absence of drinking water

Absence Absence of of shed toilet for shelter

Absence Absence of of paved fence path

Absence Other of plants

Absence No problem of sears

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5. Environmental problem

Problems Very Avera No Problems Very Average No Bad() ge () problem() Bad() () Problem( )

Noisy Not clean area

Gasses of Bad odor buses

Crowded Others area

Industrial No gases problem

6. Maintenance Problems

Problems Very Average No Problem Very Average No Bad() () Problem() s Bad() () Problem (

Cleaning Mowing

Rubbish Toilet collection cleaning restriction for anti - social people

7. Safety and Security Problem Problems Very Average No Problems Very Average No bad() () problem() bad() () problem()

Grimy Fear of road accident Fear Eve Mugging teasing Fear of Hawker Kidnapping

8. Number of visitors visited 9. Overall Maintenance 10. Maintenance authority

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11. Are you satisfied with the facilities? Are your children are enjoying? If yes, why? If no, why? 12. What are the bad effects of having a small number of open space? 13. What role you can play to improve the open space development? 14. What should be the role of local leaders/planners/developers/policy makers in this respect? 15. What are the potential places for open space development? 16. Other comments/Observation

Name of the interviewer:

Signature

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Annexure 2D

Provision of open space in Manikganj Pourashava: A study from institutional aspect

Questionnaire for User’s Opinion Survey Bangladesh University of Engineering & Technology, BUET Department of Urban &Regional Planning (For academic purpose only) Field Survey for Park

Observation number: Date of Observation: Name and Location: Time of Observation

1. Age of Participant: Acceptance Level Rating 2. Duration of use 3. Major Activities Very poor 1 4. Minor Activities Poor 2 5. Distance from Home 6. Maintenance authority Moderate 3 7. Indicator of existing condition and management Good 4 performance i. Rating scale of performance indicator Very Good 5 ii. Ranking of indicators with variable: Indicators and variables for user opinion on existing condition of open space

Indicator Variables Ranking Indicator Variables Ranking Management Maintenance Physical Size of open performance of of open space condition, space institution Amenities quality and performance

Cleanliness Lights

Budget Toilet facility

Professional Playing maintenance instrument

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staff

Safety and security Anti-social Drinking water activity

Mugging Boundary wall

Drug taking Equipment

Begging, Swing

kidnapping Slide

Environmental Air quality Sitting indicator arrangement

Vegetation

Odor

Noise

Temperature

Mosquito

Hawker

Crowded area

8. Distance of the nearest Parks? 9. Preferred distance of open space to use? 10. Reasons for using/not using the nearest open space 11. What is the major problem of open space? 12. Do you think that ManikganjPourashava needs more open space? 1. Yes 2. No

If yes, Why? 13. What are the major problem of having very few open space? 14. What are the potential places for open space development?

Name of the Interviewer

Signature

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Annexure 2E Provision of open space in Manikganj Pourashava: A study from institutional aspect

Questionnaire for User’s Opinion Survey Bangladesh University of Engineering & Technology, BUET Department of Urban &Regional Planning (For academic purpose only) Field Survey for Playground

Observation number: Date of Observation:

Name and Location: Time of observation:

1. Age of Participant: Acceptance Level Rating 2. Duration of use Very poor 1 3. Major Activities Poor 2 4. Minor Activities Moderate 3 5. Distance from Home 6. Maintenance authority Good 4 7. Indicator of existing condition and Very Good 5 management performance i. Rating scale of performance indicator ii. Ranking of indicators with variable

Indicator Variables Ranking Indicator Variables Ranking

Management Maintenance Physical Size of open performance of of open space condition, space institution Amenities quality and performance

Cleanliness Lights

Budget Toilet facility

Professional Playing

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maintenance instrument staff

Safety and security Anti-social Drinking water activity

Mugging Boundary wall

Drug taking Play equipment

Begging, Tree plantation

kidnapping Vegetation

Environmental Air quality Sitting indicator arrangement

Vegetation

Odor

Noise

Temperature

Mosquito

Hawker

Crowded area

9. Distance of the nearest playground? 10. Preferred distance of open space to use? 11. Reasons for using/not using the nearest open space 12. What is the major problem of open space? 13. Do you think that ManikganjPourashava needs more open space? 1. Yes 2. No

If yes, Why? 14. What are the major problem of having very few open space? 15. What are the potential places for open space development?

Name of the interviewer:

Signature

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Annexure 2F Provision of open space in Manikganj Pourashava: A study from institutional aspect

Questionnaire for User’s Opinion Survey Bangladesh University of Engineering & Technology, BUET Department of Urban &Regional Planning (For academic purpose only) Field Survey for Riverside

Observation number: Date of Observation:

Name and Location: Time of observation:

1. Age of Participant: 2. Duration of use Acceptance Level Rating 3. Major Activities Very poor 1 4. Minor Activities Poor 2 5. Distance from Home Moderate 3 6. Maintenance authority Good 4 7. Indicator of existing condition and management performance Very Good 5 i. Rating scale of performance indicator ii. Ranking of indicators with variable

Indicator Variables Ranking Indicator Variables Ranking Management Maintenance Physical Size of open performance of of open space condition, space institution Amenities quality and performance

Cleanliness Lights

Budget Toilet facility

Professional Playing maintenance

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staff instrument

Safety and security Anti-social Drinking water activity

Mugging Boundary wall

Drug taking Play Equipment

Begging Play equipment

kidnapping Sitting arrangement

Environmental Air quality indicator Vegetation

Odor

Noise

Temperature

Mosquito

Hawker

Crowded area

8. Distance of the nearest playground/Amusement Parks 9. Preferred distance of open space to use? 10. Reasons for using/not using the nearest open space 11. What is the major problem of open space? 12. Do you think that Manikganj Pourashava needs more open space? 1. Yes 2. No

If yes, Why? 13. What are the major problem of having very few open space? 14. What are the potential places for open space development?

Name of the interviewer

Signature

124

Annexure 2G

Provision of open space in Manikganj Pourashava: A study from institutional aspect Checklist for Interview with Academics/ Professionals Bangladesh University of Engineering & Technology, BUET Department of Urban &Regional Planning (For academic purpose only)

Checklist No: ------Time: -----

Date:------

Name:

Designation:------

Authority:------

1. Give your comments and views about the existing open space condition in Pourashava.

2. What are the main constraints to develop open space in the Pourashava?

3. What does the activities need to improve open space facilities in Pourashava?

4. What are the legislative measures need to apply for the creation of open space facilities inPourashava?

5. What are the necessary measures need to stop encroachment of open space?

6. What should be the role of local leaders/planners/developers/policy makers to stop encroachment?

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7. What should be done to ensure open space planning as a system positively related to other planning?

8. Do you think establishment of separate government agency for open space and recreation provision can improve the situation?

Thanks for your kind co-operation

Name of the interviewer:

Signature

126

Annexure 3A Provision of open space in Manikganj Pourashava: A study from institutional aspect Checklist for interview with professionals - For academic purpose only

Bangladesh University of Engineering &Technology, BUET Department of Urban &Regional Planning

Checklist No: ------Time: ----- Date:------Name: Dr. Akter Mahmud Designation: Professor Authority:------Date:------Time: ------Signature:-----

1. Comments and views about the existing open space condition in Secondary town level Pourashava. - In Bangladesh, land properties are under the ownership of people and government don’t have land-bank in the Pourashava areas. Government has to acquire land for implementation of development projects through a process prescribed in ‘Requisition and Acquisition of Immovable Property Act 1984’. As the Secondary towns had not the legitimate city plan, they grew spontaneously without much planning interventions by the urban local government. Now, secondary towns became an agglomeration of urban centre where provision of open spaces is almost absent. - Secondary towns are growing with severe lack of designated open spaces.

9. What are the main constraints to develop open space in the Pourashava? - Most of the cases Pourashavas are not financially capable to initiate a project like development of open space/park. - Sometimes development of open space projects are considered as less priority project. Development projects like; market, bus stand, bazaar, housing schemes etc get the priority because of their high potentiality immediate return.

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- Sometimes Pourashavas don’t have a legitimate master plan. As a result they fail to pursue for the development of open space projects in absence of a ‘legitimate master plan’. - Having visionary planners in the Pourashavas are serious problem. Good set of technical persons can find the ways of creation of open spaces in the city and community level. They can initiate right projects in right time.

10. What are the activities are need to initiate to improve open space facilities in secondary town? - Initiating new open space projects (as per the plan) - Involving people with the plan preparation and plan implementation. - In case of the existing park/open space, involving the local stakeholders in the maintenance activities.

11. Legislative measures the professionals need to apply for the creation of open space facilities in Secondary town? - I don’t feel that we not more legal measures than an approved master plan of a city/town. A well-prepared and legitimate master plan is good enough to create more open spaces in the city if people possesses due respect to the master plan. - If the people carry the mentality of plan violation or avoidance and get the feeling that

12. The necessary measures to stop encroachment of playgrounds and parks and open space? - A legitimate master plan and making people as the custodian of the Plan can stop encroachment of park and playfields. - Enforcement of laws like; master plan, Wetland Protection Act 2000. - Probably the most important is to activate effectively the ‘Town Level Coordination Committee (TLCC) and Ward Level Coordination Committee (WLCC)’ as per the Local Government Act (Pourashava) 2010. Other committees like local sports clubs and cultural organization etc make really play an important role in protecting open spaces of secondary towns.

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13. What should be the role of local leaders/planners/developers/policy makers in this respect? - Local leader will pursue the aspiration of local people and put pressure on the government to implement the projects - Planners will prepare plan for all section of people where irrespective to all classes, races, religions will get access of open spaces and park. - Developers will be involved in the development and implementation of the plan of local government. - Policy makers must listen to the need of the local people and frame policy for the well being of the people/whole nation

14. What should be done to ensure open space planning as a system positively related to other planning? - It is not for only open space, I think all the proposals of physical planning should have the intensive relationship with the financial plan of the local authority. Only then local government can ensure the timely implementation of projects of open spaces.

15. Do you think establishment of separate government agency for open space and recreation provision can improve the situation? - Establishment of a separate agency for ‘open space’ will merely address the problem of open spaces. In Bangladesh, we have same kind of instance that separate agency didn’t work. - Rather, I would argue that a separate department can be within the urban local government. It will work in 2 ways; o It will have better coordination as it is within the local government o It will pursue better to implement the open space projects

Thanks for your kind co-operation

Name of the interviewer:

Signature

129

Annexure 3B Provision of open space in Manikganj Pourashava: A study from institutional aspect

BANGLADESH UNIVERSITY OF ENGINEERING &TECHNOLOGY, BUET DEPARTMENT OF URBAN ®IONAL PLANNING

(Checklist for interview with professionals - For academic purpose only)

Checklist No: ------Time: ----- Date:------Name: Golam Moinuddin PhD Designation: Associate Professor Authority: Jahangirnagar University

Date: 27/6/2013 Time: 7:30 pm Signature:

1. Comments and views about the existing open space condition in Secondary town level Pourashava. Inadequate, unplanned, neglected element.

2. What are the main constraints to develop open space in the Pourashava? Lack of vision/s, funding, perception on its necessity by the concerned quarters 3. What are the activities are need to initiate to improve open space facilities in secondary town? Embedding park as a “requirement” in the planning process, initiating steps to provide different types of park for different user groups across the paurasava, budgetary allocations for development and maintenance of the same, eviction of illegal occupancy from existing parks etc.

4. Legislative measures the professionals need to apply for the creation of open space facilities in Secondary town?

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Paurasava plan must have to have parks/playgrounds within to get approval from concerned directorate/ministry

5. The necessary measures to stop encroachment of playgrounds and parks and open space? Imposing existing laws and regulations would be sufficient.

6. What should be the role of local leaders/planners/developers/policy makers in this respect? Convincing community about the necessity and benefits of having parks, securing space/s for park/s, safeguarding these against illegal occupation etc. 7. What should be done to ensure open space planning as a system positively related to other planning? Should be made complementary to parks planning.

8. Do you think establishment of separate government agency for open space and recreation provision can improve the situation? No

Thanks for your kind co-operation

Name of the interviewer:

Signature

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Annexure 4 A: Organogram of class “A” Pourashava

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Annexure 4B: Ward wise Population of Manikganj Pourasahava According to Pourashava Record

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