Problems and constraints in implementing master plans: a case study of Rajshahi city

Abstract

Rajshahi is the FOl.lrthMetropolitan City in Bangladesh The origin of the town date back to 1825 when the District Headql.larterwas shifted from Natore In 1947, the town became a Divisional Headquarter, The city ofRajshahi is famous for its tine silk and juicy_mango. The establishment of Municipality, College, Museum, Universit}, Medical College had expedite the development of the city in the past. The first physical plan of the city was prepared by the UDD in 1968. But due to some constraints, the Plan was not implemented, After the independence of Bangladesh, the Government formed Rajshahi Town Development Authority in 1976 for the physical planning and development of Rajshahi City and its adjoining areas, The Rajshahi Development Authority prepared Master Plan in 1984. This was basically a land use type Master Plan which included the future groy.th direction of the city as well as its major road network, housing areas, commercial & industrial sites, recreational spots etc, The Master Plan also identified a nl.lmberof projects in different sectors. Over the last 20 years the city ofRajshahi has been developed after this Master plan. During this period, a number of proposals of the Master Plan have been implemented while some of the proposals were not The trend of imbalanced urbanisation in Bangladesh is one of the major reasons bchind the non-implemenration of Master Plans. However, in the case ofRajshahi, the geographic location of the city is a barrier lOits economic development Moreover, the weaknesses in preparation of plan, lack of proper planning practice, lack of time to time review, political influence, lethargy in project implementation. etc. are some the reasons behind improper implemenrarion of the t984 Master plan of Rajshahi. This research intends to study the master plans earlier prepared for the city of Rajshahi ar.d to investigate whether the development of the city was accordingly or not. The research also aims to identify the causes behind non implementation of the master plan and to recommend to overcome the shortcomings regarding the situation ofRajshahi.City.