Eighth International Conference on The Constructed Environment

Abstract

Bangladesh is a low lying riverine country. Ever since the early industrialization of Bangladesh, leather processing industries have played an important and noteworthy economic role. In the city of Dhaka, these industries are mainly concentrated in Hazaribagh, an important area in the southwestern part of the city which acts as a junction point connecting the new town with the old town. But unfortunately, the use of inferior technologies, coupled with the absence of proper industrial waste-treatment facilities and waste-management have destroyed the ecology of the Hazaribagh area and badly impacted its surroundings. Moreover, the health condition of workers and residents are not up to acceptable standards in the Hazaribagh area. For this reason, shifting of tanneries from Hazaribagh, and enlargement of this area after relocation will be a monumental opportunity for sustainable urban brownfield development movement. This study points to investigate not only the present environmental condition, but also health condition of the workers in Hazaribagh areas, and overall physical health condition of mechanic workers, cleaner and fish sellers in Azopmpur (Uttara) and Azimpur in Dhaka. This present study also includes the projected aftermath of the decision taken by the Bangladesh Government to move Hazaribagh tanneries out of Dhaka. Regeneration of urban Hazaribagh brownfield can act as a model for a 21st-century sustainable region, that integrates all the cutting-edge technological facilities, and environmental friendly methodologies, free from severe pollution.