DU Master Plan proposes 79pc open space on campus

Dhaka University authorities seek to  alley students concern regarding how the small campus will accommodate 97 new buildings by saying implementation of the proposed Master Plan will resolve the  issue.

The Master Plan proposes keeping 79 per cent open space on the campus and 21 per cent space for buildings.

At present, there are 985 built structures on the campus.

The proposed master plan requires removal of 599 structures, to be replaced by 97 highrises, so that the buildings  cover 65.89 acres down from 81.25 acres to 65.89 acres, or  equivalent to 21 per cent of total land area of the university.

The Master Plan proposes to increase green spaces from 19.53 acres to 21.59 acres, water bodies from 18.73 acres to 23.84 acres and  playgrounds from  7.65 acres to 7.73 acres.

The 123.27 acres of inaccessible green spaces and territory would increase to almost 139.08 acres by developing proper circular network and positioning buildings.

The green areas will increase and the ratio of open space and built-up areas will be 79 per cent and 21 per cent of the total area respectively.

The Master Plan proposes a total of 97 buildings, 17 for academic use, 24 student dormitories, 22 house tutors buildings, 12 residential buildings for teachers and officers, nine residential buildings for the staff and 13 buildings for various facilities.

The buildings will be constructed in three phases, 28 in Phase-1, 29 in Phase-2, and 40 in Phase-3.

Mohammed Zabed Alam Mrida, Superintending Engineer, Office of the Planning and Development of the university, said, "If the existing 10 low height buildings accommodate 100 families, a high-rise  building will be constructed to accommodate the same number of families. Therefore, we will be able to reduce  building space to increase the green area."

Dhaka University Vice Chancellor Prof ASM Maksud Kamal told the Daily Observer that the proposed Master Plan will increase open space, green areas and water bodies on the campus to create a healthy environment for the teachers, students, officers and employees.