Kamrun Nahar

Urbanisation and environmental degradation in Dhaka Metropolitan Area of Bangladesh

Using available data on relevant issues and onsite field visits, this paper documented the environmental problems associated with the unprecedented urbanization in Dhaka Metropolitan Area of Bangladesh. Analyses revealed that a rapid spatial expansion of the city has been taking place alongside the remarkable rise in urban population, simultaneously putting immense pressure on natural resource-base. Substantial changes that were observed in land use and cover are believed to be a significant factor in elevating the risk of natural hazards, particularly flooding during monsoon. In addition, air, water, and noise quality, have all become acute, and are subsequently posing uncertain liabilities to the inhabitants’ health of the area. Rapid uncoordinated urbanisation gives rise to a spectacular growth of slums and squatters, making 3.4 million slum dwellers in 2006 from only 1.5 million in 1996. Achieving sustainable urban development in the DMA therefore, requires tackling the environmental problems in a rational manner.

Cardiovascular Activities of an Ayurvedic Preparation Amalaki Rasayan in Rat Model

The importance of traditional or alternative medicines including Ayurvedic drugs are increasing day by day because of their necessary pharmacological actions and fewer side effects. Previous investigators showed hypolipidemic and cardioprotective effects of Amla which is the active ingredient of Amalaki Rasayan. It is an ayurvedic formulation that contains extracts of Phyllanthus emblica plant. Therefore, this study has been conducted to investigate the scientific evidence of its cardioprotective effects in rats by recording electrocardiographic tracings. Rats, of either sex, were treated with preparation containing extracts of Phyllanthus emblica in doses 800 μg/kg bodyweight, 1600 μg/kg body weight and 3200 μg/kg body weight through intraperitoneal route. Electrocardiogram along with heart rate and other parameters were measuredin rat model before and after administration of Amalaki Rasayan. It was evident that Amalaki Rasayan, at a dose of 800 μg/kg, was safe but 1600 μg/kg and 3200 μg/kg produced abnormal activities in the heart. It can be inferred from the study that, the ayurvedic preparation Amalaki Rasayan possesses significant cardioprotective effect.

Illustrating Quality of Life (QOL)

The objective of this chapter is to develop a quality of life (QOL) index at community level in the Dhaka City Corporation (DCC) area, which could describe the spatial patterns of QOL. Using remote sensing, census and other spatial data, a factor analysis was carried out to develop the different dimensions of QOL. Three principal factors were extracted from the analysis: environmental, economic and demographic. These three factors were then combined in a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) environment to construct a synthetic QOL for the study area. The results were subsequently validated using regression analysis, which revealed a better prediction of QOL based on environmental and socioeconomic variables. Interestingly, only a small portion of the population (1.4 %) in the study area was shown to have good QOL. As higher urban growth driven by rapid rural-urban migration is expected in Dhaka in the coming years, this study will be of substantial help for urban planners and policymakers in formulating related policies to ensure a better living environment for its inhabitants.