A Participatory Assessment to Identify the Causes and Impacts of Open Space Reduction in Rajshahi City Corporation (RCC) Area, Bangladesh

Abstract

Open space is a vital part of city life which enhances the attractiveness of a community and provides an opportunity for recreation, playing, political activities, cultural activities, and so on. Along with enhancing the quality of life, open space can provide significant economic benefits and compatible future growth. With the increase in urbanization, the open spaces have been demolished for the purpose of residential or commercial activities. At present, these places also failed to maintain their planning standard for a community which is mentioned in private residential land development act of Bangladesh. The aim of the research is to find out the causes and the impact of open space reduction in Rajshahi City Corporation (RCC) area with the help of participatory rural appraisal techniques. The research also tries to give some suitable recommendation which helps the community, local and national authorities to preserve this open space. The preservation of these open spaces will provide more recreation places for the children, younger age, and older people which enhance their mental and physical strength. The study finds that in a gap of fewer than 10 years, RCC area lost 27 (35.64 acres) of its open space. The main reasons for the loss of these open spaces are the land acquisition by the authority for undertaken various development activities. The current alarming situation will be improved if the planning standard is followed to accommodate the present and future provision and the involvement of local communities in any decision-making for the betterment of the community.