Implementation of environmental management plans in the transport sector development projects: A case study of two mega projects in Bangladesh

This study assesses the Environmental Management Plans (EMPs) of two major urban transport megaprojects in Bangladesh, MRT Line-6 and BRT Line-3, implemented in Dhaka City to alleviate traffic congestion. The EMPs were evaluated using content analysis, SWOT analysis, and key informant interviews with environmental impact assessment experts. This research identifies the challenges and strengths of these projects, including occupational health and safety management, compensation measures for resettlement, handling cash grievances, emergency response plans, and organized environmental maintenance. The EMPs demonstrate efforts to compensate for greenspace loss by creating new ground coverage along the routes and planting trees and shrubs beneath elevated tracks. Notable weaknesses were observed, including a lack of integration between project proponents and regulatory authorities, absence of monitoring and reporting of impacts, health hazards caused by dust and emissions from equipment and project activities, insufficient traffic management plans, and inadequate health and safety measures for pedestrians during the construction phase. Several measures have been proposed for monitoring the operational phases by designated authorities, such as an environmental treatment plan for wastewater, solid waste management, water supply and sanitation, noise pollution control, and other emission control measures. Unfortunately, the study revealed that the restoration of blue spaces, such as water bodies and wetlands, affected by the megaprojects, was not adequately planned. This study further suggests that transparency and public participation should be ensured during preparation and implementation of EMPs of megaprojects. It also emphasizes the need for an adequate workforce and resources in the Department of Environment (DoE) to monitor EMP implementation effectively.