Rajshahi City Research Articles

Traffic Induced Noise Pollution in Rajshahi City Corporation: A Study on Sources, Impacts and Solutions

Urban areas are affected by traffic-induced noise pollution, which has detrimental effects on the health and well-being of individuals. The objective of this research is to assess the magnitude of traffic-related noise pollution in Rajshahi City Corporation, Bangladesh, and suggest potential solutions to alleviate its adverse effects. Information was gathered from 28 distinct locations in week and weekend days throughout the city utilizing a UT353 UNI-T decibel meter sound level reader. The statistical analysis unveiled notable fluctuations in noise levels ranging from 57 dB to 108.3 dB based on which we have divided the areas in different zones to visually observe the spatial distribution of noise pollution. The results underscore the extensive incidence of noise pollution within Rajshahi City Corporation, which presents significant health hazards to inhabitants, such as disruptions in sleep patterns and cardiovascular ailments. A multifaceted approach is suggested in order to tackle this matter; it includes technological solutions, public awareness campaigns, and traffic management strategies. In addition, it is suggested that public education initiatives be implemented to promote responsible driving practices among motorists and residents and to increase awareness regarding the adverse health effects of noise pollution. By incorporating these proposed measures, Rajshahi City Corporation can strive towards establishing an urban setting that is more tranquil and promotes the health and welfare of its residents.

Equity in Public Facilities Provision in an Urban Area: A Spatial Analysis of Rajshahi City Corporation

In the Rajshahi City Corporation (RCC)area, spatial sizeis not proportionate to the placement of public facilities due to rapid urbanization and population growth. This raises the question ofwhat is the level of equity present inthe provision of public facilities in the city corporation area. For this research, primary schools, high schools, colleges, health facilities, and markets were selected from the available types of public facilities.Location Quotient (LQ) method and Gini Coefficientwere used to analyze locational concentration and spatial disparity in the provision of public facilities in 30 wards of Rajshahi City Corporation (RCC). Service area analysiswas done to show how much of the city corporation area falls under afavorable distance from the public facilities.The number of the wards having LQ value > 1 range from 9 – 15 based on different public facilities; showing locational concentration is present for all public facilities. The Gini coefficient (GC) values range from 0.41 to 0.67, showing a high level of spatial inequity. The service area analysis also shows the service area of the public facilities fail to cover all of the wards.In the future, inequity in provision of public facilities can compound with the increase in population and urban sprawl if not met with regulatory and inclusive planning policies.

Assessment of Drainage Capacity of a Surface Drain in Rajshahi, Bangladesh

One of the most important components of a community's sustainable environment system is its drainage capacity. The drainage capacity of a community is essential to maintaining environmental resilience, effective water management, and encouraging a healthy urban lifestyle. The surface drains in Rajshahi City receive a mix of waste, including sanitary wastewater, stormwater runoff, and solid waste from roadsides and households. To improve the drainage facilities of Rajshahi, some new drains have been constructed. This study considered a recently constructed drain in the Rajshahi City Corporation (RCC), running from Talaimari to Chowddopai. The primary objective of this study is to assess the drainage capacity of this drain during both dry and monsoon seasons, ensuring its capability to contain the generated waste. Additionally, the investigation encompasses observing the sludge depth, and clear space of the drain. A field survey was conducted, employing a measuring rod and scale to precisely measure the depth, width, and sludge accumulation. A map was created in ArcGIS providing all the data collected from field surveys. By examining these parameters, this study seeks to contribute valuable information for enhancing the resilience and functionality of the drainage system, thereby promoting a sustainable urban environment.

Evaluating the Impact of Green Spaces on Urban Heat Reduction in Rajshahi, Bangladesh Using the InVEST Model

Urban heat poses significant challenges in rapidly developing cities, particularly in countries like Bangladesh. This study investigates the cooling effects of urban green spaces in Rajshahi city, addressing a critical research gap in developing urban contexts. We examined the relationships among urban vegetation, heat mitigation, and temperature variables using the InVEST Urban Cooling Model and spatial analysis techniques. This study focused on three key relationships: Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Heat Mitigation Index (HMI), HMI and Land Sur face Temperature (LST), and HMI and Air Temperature (AT). Analysis revealed a strong positive correlation between NDVI and HMI, indicating the effectiveness of vegetation in enhancing urban cooling. A robust inverse relationship between HMI and LST was observed (R2 = 0.78, r = −0.88), with every 0.1 unit increase in HMI corresponding to a 0.53 °C decrease in LST. The HMI−AT relationship showed an even stronger correlation (R2 = 0.84, r = −0.87), with each unit increase in HMI associated with a 2.80 °C decrease in air temperature. These findings quantify the significant role of urban green spaces in mitigating heat and provide valuable insights for urban planning in developing cities, underscoring the importance of integrating green infrastructure into urban-development strategies to combat urban heat and improve livability.

Evaluation of Heavy Metal Levels in Fish and Their Potential Health Risks to Humans

Fish is a major component of the daily diet all over the world and is a fantastic source of minerals, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins and protein crucial to human wellness. Surprisingly, not all fish are as healthy as they appear to be, especially environmental contaminants additionally exert a detrimental effect, especially heavy metals which have the potential to bioaccumulate and biomagnify and thus it has grown to be a major public health issue throughout the world, including Bangladesh. In this investigation distribution and concentration of Pb, Cr, Cd and Mn in 36 samples of 3 fish species (Mozambique tilapia, Labeo bata, Putinussarana) were collected from four locations around Rajshahi City Corporation and have been investigated. The samples were digested with an HNO3-HClO4-HCl combination for the metal analysis. All samples were analyzed in duplicate using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer and the results reported here were averages of these duplicates. According to this research, it is observed that the concentration of Cd, Pb, Cr, and Mn in fish samples ranged from 0.0104 mg/kg to 1.2399 mg/kg, 0.6711 mg/kg to 6.051 mg/kg, 0.0799 mg/kg to 3.9084 mg/kg and 0.1622 mg/kg to 2.4685 mg/kg respectively. According to the result, several samples have heavy metal concentrations that are beyond the standard permissible range. Hazard index of those fish species in the order of Labeo bata > Mozambique tilapia > Putinussarana. Heavy metal concentration in those fish species and their health risk assessment (EDI, THQ, CR, HI) are recorded and discussed critically and systematically in this monograph.

Understanding the Economic Consequences of COVID-19 on Small and Medium Enterprises in Rajshahi City, Bangladesh

Understanding the Economic Consequences of COVID-19 on Small and Medium Enterprises in Rajshahi City, Bangladesh

Flowing Prosperity: Empowering Riverbank Communities in Rajshahi City

This study investigates strategies to enhance the quality of life for riverbank communities in Rajshahi City, Bangladesh, situated along the Padma River. A comprehensive analysis of socioeconomic, environmental governance, and community aspects, the study identifies key challenges and opportunities. By paying attention to the natural resources and cultural heritage of the riverbanks, the endeavor seeks to foster socio-economic growth, environmental sustainability, and cultural preservation. Findings reveal pervasive socio-economic disparities, exacerbated by environmental degradation and governance shortcomings. The study also indicates that only 78% of inhabitants take the polio vaccine and the Body Mass Index shows 72% of people are under-weight. Despite these challenges, the study highlights community resilience, and the potential of grassroots initiatives to effect positive change. The study emphasizes the importance of integrated and participatory approaches to address the multifaceted issues facing riverbank communities. By prioritizing socio-economic equity, environmental sustainability, and community empowerment, it is possible to create inclusive and resilient communities along the riverbanks of Rajshahi City in Bangladesh. Through collaborative efforts including local stakeholders, governmental bodies, and non-profit organizations, the study creates opportunities for inclusive participation, enhances livelihoods, and promotes resilience against socio-economic challenges. The authors identify why these (River-bank people) cannot manage the sustainability of river ecosystems, health problems, and sustainable development, which advocates for a harmonious balance between social, economic, and environmental dimensions. Finally, a well-thought-out recommendation has been drafted by the authors.

Noise sensitivity and its associated factors among the students of Rajshahi City in Bangladesh: A cross-sectional study

Background: Noise pollution is an important environmental problem with far-reaching and unavoidable consequences. The present study aimed to identify noise sensitivity and its associated factors among students of Rajshahi City. Methods: A total of 473 respondents were selected conveniently from five educational institutions in Rajshahi City. Among them, 273 were women, and 200 were men aged 18 to 28 (mean, 22.9). The Bangla version of the Noise Sensitivity Scale was administered to measure the participants' noise sensitivity level. Results: Noise sensitivity varied significantly with sleep duration, anger toward noise polluters, level of noise annoyance, and the avoidance of noise-polluted roads (using alternative roads) among the respondents. There was no significant effect of sex or residence in a noise-polluted area on noise sensitivity. The results also indicate that anger at polluters and noise annoyance strongly influence noise sensitivity. Conclusion: Noise sensitivity affects many aspects of human life. These findings will assist policymakers, and urban planners mitigate the harmful effects of noise sensitivity on human health.

Sustainable Transportation System for Rajshahi City, Bangladesh

The ultimate objective of this project is to make a meaningful contribution to the ongoing research on sustainable development and to aid in developing and implementing an efficient transportation system that effectively tackles the challenges of mobility and environmental security challenges in the bustling city of Rajshahi. As part of this effort, our paper will present a comprehensive overview of recent advancements and key findings in the field of sustainable transportation. In the process, the paper will offer an overview of some of the most recent and useful developments in the subject of study. One of the key challenges in achieving sustainable transportation in Rajshahi is the inadequate road infrastructure, such as ill-defined road markings, lack or insufficiency of traffic signs, and rampant illegal parking, particularly in peripheral areas. These factors not only hinder smooth traffic flow but also threaten the safety of drivers, increasing their vulnerability to accidents. Additionally, they contribute to traffic congestion and other inconveniences for commuters. Hence, it is imperative to adopt a holistic approach to tackling these issues to promote sustainable transportation within Rajshahi City. This requires collaboration between various stakeholders and implementing comprehensive solutions that address multiple facets of sustainable transportation. Only through such concerted efforts can we effectively overcome the challenges hindering efficient mobility in Rajshahi.

Impact of greenery and waterbody on the cooling of city’s environment: a case of Rajshahi City

ABSTRACT Both plants and bodies of water are crucial to the health of the urban landscape. The degree to which these factors contribute to cooling appears, however, to change depending on factors such as location, time of year, and the mix of land use and land cover. The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential role of trees and water in Rajshahi City Corporation in reducing urban heat island effect. As a first step, satellite images are processed to generate the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and the modified normalized difference water index (MNDWI). The second step is to produce maps of vegetation and water features by using a decision tree (DT) algorithm fed with threshold values from the indices. After that, thermal bands from the Landsat 8 OLI and MODIS Terra Earth observation data are used to create a map of the land surface temperature (LST). Finally, this study assessed the effect of vegetation and water coverage on global surface temperatures by analyzing their spatial distributions. Different kinds of land cover can be found in and around urban centers. Therefore, this study chose two types of water bodies (big and small) and two types of vegetation (sparse and attached/compact) for experiment. Water bodies produce cooler temperatures than other land cover types, as shown by the data. It has been found, however, that cooling rates differ across large and small bodies of water. The surface temperatures of large bodies of water are typically lower than those of smaller bodies of water. Accordingly, it appears that expansive areas significantly impact the cooling of metropolitan environments. The findings also demonstrate a difference in surface temperature between areas of dense and sparse vegetation. The cooling impact of the sparse vegetation is much less than that of the dense and widespread vegetation. There was a significant relationship between surface warming and vegetation cover in this study (R2 = 0.81). Contrarily, the presence of water and vegetation is strongly correlated (R2 = 0.88) with surface warming. The findings also show that surface warming differs depending on land use. According to a study of four typical RCC locations, business districts and industrial zones have a far greater impact on local surface temperatures than do residential developments. The experiment demonstrates that the residential area with a high proportion of vegetation had a lower average temperature by nearly 2°C. The study’s findings highlight the value of maintaining urban parks and water features.

Policy evaluation and performance assessment for sustainable urbanization: a study of selected city corporations in Bangladesh

Bangladesh is going through an unprecedented period of urban growth, and its cities are having to deal with rising service, housing, and infrastructural needs. It is critical to comprehend how urban government promotes sustainable development as the nation struggles with the intricacies of urbanization. This study aims to investigate how urban governance impacts sustainable urbanization at the city corporation level in Bangladesh, focusing on Goal 11 of the Sustainable Development Agenda, which is “sustainable cities and communities.” The study selected Rajshahi and Gazipur City Corporations as case studies and employed Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and descriptive statistics methods to gather data from primary and secondary sources. The findings of the study reveal gaps in urban governance, highlighting inconsistencies between the expectations of stakeholders and the reality on the ground. Stakeholders express high expectations for housing access, infrastructure development, disaster management, transportation, and environmental sustainability, but the current state falls short in several areas. Further, the study proposes several recommendations to enhance urban governance, including fostering participatory approaches, ensuring sufficient budget allocation for infrastructure development, addressing housing challenges, enhancing women’s safety in transportation, and strengthening disaster management systems.

Pavement Service Life Prediction with PLAXIS 3D in Bangladesh

This research aims to forecast the service life of the flexible pavement in Bangladesh. The service life of flexible pavement is greatly affected by the climate and traffic load. Pavements are severely deteriorated by the overweight trucks, shortening their lifespan. The study aims to predict the service life of a flexible road using the PLAXIS 3D software. The PYTHON algorithm was utilized for the pre- and post-processing of new mechanistic empirical approach based on the AASHTO 2008 design standard. PLAXIS 3D was used for realistic soil & damage modelling and to obtain a reliable service life. Rajshahi City Bypass Nowhata Road was chosen as the study area for this study because the road condition of Nowhata is defected day by day and the number of moving vehicles with high axle load also increasing. This research has established to give the valid data to the authority according to the construction materials of flexible pavement to get better performance and proper use of materials. This road is constructed under the Road & Highway Department (RHD), Rajshahi Zone. This study shows realistic results based on temperature, soil data of subgrade and the materials property used in the PLAXIS 3D software and PYTHON programming language.

Detection of synthetic pesticide residues prevalent in daily consuming salad vegetables sold in the local markets of Rajshahi City, Bangladesh

Detection of synthetic pesticide residues prevalent in daily consuming salad vegetables sold in the local markets of Rajshahi City, Bangladesh

Assessing Level of Service, Capacity and Future Optimization of Roundabouts in Rajshahi City Using Sidra Intersection

This study investigates traffic flow challenges at the bustling Mintu Chattar roundabout Situated in Laxmipur Mor, Rajshahi, Bangladesh. Located in close proximity to a hub of hospitals and medical establishments, this intersection routinely witnesses traffic congestion, becoming a familiar occurrence in the area. From dawn to dusk, traffic officers are required to step in to manage the traffic flow of countless individuals commuting to hospitals, workplaces, educational institutions, and other destinations. Our capacity analysis using Sidra Intersection software reveals significant bottlenecks, particularly during peak hours, necessitating traffic police intervention due to inadequate control measures. The research identifies key contributing factors: insufficient entry and circulatory lanes, uneven traffic distribution, and high overall traffic volume. A detailed case study of the south leg highlights the severity of the situation, with Level of Service (LOS) dropping to F during evening hours, resulting in long queues (over 61 vehicles) and delays exceeding 82 seconds per vehicle. The integration of the design life model from SIDRA software has also illustrated the correlation between Level of Service (LOS) and capacity with the projected rise in traffic volume for the next five years. In order to improve traffic flow efficiency, the study proposes exploring design optimization of the roundabout. This includes investigating the impact of geometric redesigning, such as gradual expansion of approach lanes width, on capacity at the roundabout leg, considering both existing and future traffic scenarios.

ASSESSMENT OF CONTAMINATION AND POLLUTION RISKS CAUSED BY HEAVY METALS IN FISH POND SEDIMENTS

Pollution by heavy metals poses a significant risk to human health and ecology through the food web. Metal contamination in fish pond sediments can be caused by improper waste management and the overuse of artificial feed to increase output and profit. By using an atomic absorption spectrometer to analyse heavy metals such as Cd, Mn, Pb, and Cr, this study aims to assess the contamination levels and pollution risk from bottom sediment samples taken from 12 different fish ponds in the Rajshahi City of Bangladesh. According to this investigation, the concentrations of the metals Pb, Mn, Cr, and Cd were 0.1188 to 1.5139, 0.1899 to 0.8483, 0.0292 to 0.0395, and 0.3017 to 1.6182 mg/kg, respectively. All results show that the metal contents of all the sediments studied around the area do not exceed the standard limit. The risk assessment of the sediments was evaluated based on the geoaccumulation index, enrichment factor, and contamination factor. The analysisindicated that Cd, Pb, and Cr accumulation are within the acceptable limit except for Mn. This study provides essential baseline data on heavy metal contamination, serving as a foundation for future research by focusing on identifying contamination sources, accumulation pathways, and element mobility from feed to fish and sediment to significantly reduce environmental risks and protect both ecosystem integrity and public health.

Computed tomographic measurement of maxillary sinus dimensions and its association with age and gender in Rajshahi City

Computed tomographic measurement of maxillary sinus dimensions and its association with age and gender in Rajshahi City

Association Between Sociodemographic Status and Physical Functioning of Obese School Going Children- A Cross Sectional Study

Background: Obesity is major non-communicable disease (NCD) all over the world affecting both children & adult. More than 30 million overweight children are living in developing countries & 10 million in developed countries. Childhood obesity leads to a significant reduction in health-related functioning. So, the negative effects of childhood obesity on quality of life (QoL) have to be determined to combat the problem. Objective: To determine the association between sociodemographic status and physical functioning of obese school going children. Methods: This was a cross sectional type of descriptive study conducted at different schools of Rajshahi city from June 2015 to September 2015. Four (4) schools were selected- a) Govt. Laboratory High School, Rajshahi b) Rajshahi Collegiate School c) River view Collectorate School, Rajshahi and d) Rajshahi University School. The study population were 5 to 15 years old obese school children. A total number of 221 children were interviewed. Results: The ages of the respondents were between 4 to 15 years, and the mean age was 7.83±3.058 years. Among the 221 respondents more than half (56.6%) were in 4-7 years of age group, another 24.0% belonged to the age group of 8- 11 years and only 19.5% were 12- 15 years age group. Weight of the respondents was from 20 to 65 kg and mean weight of the respondents was (41.64±10.75). Here, 36.2% weight was from 37-47 kg and 29.0% weight was from 26-36 kg. Another 23.1%, 7.7% and 4.1% weight was from 48-58 kg, 59-69 kg and 15-25 kg respectively. There was no significant relationship with respondent age and sex with physical functioning (p ≥ 0.05). There was a significant relationship with weight and physical functioning (p≤0.05). Conclusions: The sociodemographic status may influence the physical functioning of the obese school going children. Their lifestyle must be modified in this early life otherwise they will be affected by different non communicable disease J Rang Med Col. March 2024; Vol. 9, No. 1: 71-76

Investigation of Water-Soluble Preservatives in Frequently Used Energy-Stimulating Herbal Drugs in Rajshahi City, Bangladesh

The prevalence of erectile dysfunction is on the rise. Patients are turning to herbal drugs as an alternative to allopathic therapy or are drawn towards natural alternatives. However, there are concerns about the safety of these medications. An effort was made to determine the level of two commonly used water-soluble preservatives, sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate in 54 finished energy-stimulating herbal preparations. Maceration-assisted UV- Vis spectrometry was adopted for determining the analytes in bulk and finished formulations. Concern about harmful effects on human health has been raised after 5% of samples were found to be risky for oral ingestion of sodium benzoate. If ingested exceeding the prescribed daily dose, the high concentration of potassium sorbate in some formulations raises concerns regarding daily consumption. To assess the preservative levels in herbal medicines, more laboratory-based studies are required.

State of E-Governance at Urban Local Government in Bangladesh: A Paradigm of Rajshahi City Corporation

The purport of this study is to depict the present scenario of e-governance at urban local government in Bangladesh. Rajshahi City Corporation (RCC), as a leading municipality in initiating and applying e-governance, has introduced almost ten e-services. After a deep exploration on RCC, it reveals that EBRIS and SARMS both the e-governance projections of RCC are successfully implemented presently. E-tender, e-nothi, e-death registration and web portals are also fairly implemented. And e-revenue and e-application are on the way to implementation. Contrarily, e-waste management, sms-based information service and smart rajshahi app are not implemented yet. The most realistic findings of this research are the unimproved ICT infrastructure, lack of proper IT training of the e-service providers, lack of cooperativeness of e-service receivers, lack of e-literacy of e-service receivers, intervention of third party and demanding bribe for providing e-services, harassment by e-service providers, lack of efficiency of e-service providers and lack of awareness of e-service receivers about e-governance. As an empirical research, it uses both the qualitative and quantitative methods. This study is an endeavor to present an overall current status of e-governance in RCC.

Snapshot study of canine distemper virus in Bangladesh with on-site PCR detection and nanopore sequencing

Canine distemper virus (CDV) is a highly contagious virus that affects domestic and wild animals, causing severe illness with high mortality rates. Rapid monitoring and sequencing can provide valuable information about circulating CDV strains, which may foster effective vaccination strategies and the successful integration of these into conservation programs. During two site visits in Bangladesh in 2023, we tested a mobile, deployable genomic surveillance setup to explore the genetic diversity and phylogenetic patterns of locally circulating CDV strains. We collected and analysed 355 oral swab samples from stray dogs in Rajshahi and Chattogram cities, Bangladesh. CDV-specific real-time RT-PCR was performed to screen the samples. Out of the 355 samples, 7.4% (10/135) from Rajshahi city and 0.9% (2/220) from Chattogram city tested positive for CDV. We applied a real-time RT-PCR assay and a pan-genotype CDV-specific amplicon-based Nanopore sequencing technology to obtain the near-completes. Five near-complete genome sequences were generated, with phylogenetic relation to the India-1/Asia-5 lineage previously identified in India. This is the first study to provide genomic data on CDV in Bangladesh and the first demonstration of a mobile laboratory setup as a powerful tool in rapid genomic surveillance and risk assessment for CDV in low resource regions.