Asian Journal of Environment and Disaster Management 2011 3 4

doi: 10.3850/S1793924011000976

Strengthening the Coastal Settlements of Bangladesh through Planning and Construction Approaches

Tahmina Rahman Postgraduate Programs in Disaster Management, BRAC University, 66 Mohakhali, Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh. ^atrahman@bracuniversity.ac.bd

ABSTRACT

Cyclones in the coastal areas of Bangladesh adversely affect the natural and the built environments. Considering the loss and damage from the development context, physically strengthening of settlements can be a means of adaptation. Building and repairing of dwelling houses with integration of local good practices, implementing engineered techniques and use of available sustainablematerials can reduce damage of assets and physical environment. Improving community facilities like road network, community based cyclone shelters, strong schools, hospitals and houses can act as community refuge places. Settlements can be structurally stronger with an overall planning approach by detail designing of the different usable units, landscaping with earthen mounds, water channels and plantations. These may be carried with the physical developments than during reconstructions after disasters; so the capacity of communities is increased and risks reduced.

This approach can encourage the maintenance of infrastructural and natural environment. It can promote the participatory approach to integrate traditional building and formal engineering techniques. Sustainability of the physical environment with aspirations is important for the economic long term goals.

Keywords: Cyclone, Engineered technique, Settlement.

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