Water, soil and highrise buildings

As we know water is the richest gift to mankind from Allah. There are three sources for it: 1) surface water, 2) rain water, 3) sub-soil water. In Dhaka City, we are constantly exploiting the third source, and thus creating a sharp and vast imbalance. Ninty percent of Dhaka city's water requirement is met from sub-soil sources alone, which is highly suicidal. The other two sources are unwisely avoided. The result may be an early fall, collapse and destruction.

Because, the layers of soil on Earth are eternally and wisely arranged in order to strike an immaculate natural balance, constantly protecting us from disorders and disasters. Moreover, the weight and load distribution on Earth demands to be evenly and properly done. In case of high rise buildings on small space (which is done for our short-sighted interest), the weight, pressure and load distribution is improper and faulty. This is a commission of crime against Nature. Allah forbid, we may have to pay for it heavily. If we disturb and disrupt Nature, it might get irritated and revolt. We ought to be very careful. In most other parts of the world, it is not done so, for selfprotection, peace and safety. They do not defy Nature's rules and not irritate Nature for keeping peace and security. Enough is enough. We have to be alert (without delay) and stop it.

Because of too many high rise buildings spreading over a small area/zone of the city, this concentrated enormous heavy load and pressure may bring about snap landslides causing disasters. Warning and alert signals are already there for us. Earthquake coupled with landslides/slips is imminent threat to us for our misdoing and mistakes which we are just repeating continuously.

As we know Dhaka city area falls within one of the earthquake risk zones as per expert survey and international survey report (about two years back). In TV it was telecast as an international documentary for 2/3 days consecutively and surprisingly further telecast was suspended. If it is for suppression then it is not the answer nor solution.

Highrise buildings should be carefully permitted considering various aspects, honestly following rules, regulations and conditions of keeping ample vacant space. In a nutshell, in Dhaka city, there has already been more than enough high rise buildings. Now it ought to be discouraged for the greater welfare of the citizens.

Mustafizur Rahman is Chairman, Society Watch & Research.