The Chinese city of Guangzhou was once choked by smog where the lifeblood river was a toxic wasteland and honking horns and screeching tires used to drown out conversation. But, today’s Guangzhou is marked by picture lush green spaces lining the streets, fresh air filling your lungs, and the gentle hum of electric vehicles gliding by.

Guangzhou’s story – its transformation into a haven of clean living from being one of the most polluted cities in China – offers a blueprint for Dhaka currently struggling with its own environmental crisis.

Investing in green spaces, promoting electric vehicles, and implementing stricter noise regulations are all crucial steps, said people who are cognizant about Guangzhou’s transformation, adding Dhaka can draw inspiration from Guangzhou’s success and embark on its own environmental revolution.

A city reborn: Guangzhou’s greening journey

Guangzhou, a major trade center in southern China, experienced rapid industrialisation after 1978. This economic boom came at a heavy cost – air, water, and sound pollution skyrocketed. The Pearl River, the city’s central waterway, became a victim of this unchecked growth.

However, a turning point came in the early 2000s. Recognising the environmental crisis, the government took decisive action.  A key focus was the upcoming 16th Asian Games in 2010, which became a catalyst for change.

Planting the Seeds of Change

Guangzhou’s transformation began with a massive greening initiative. Trees were planted strategically throughout the city, transforming roadsides and open spaces into verdant havens. Flower beds added splashes of color, further beautifying the cityscape.

Electric avenues: Embracing clean transportation

The city embraced clean energy solutions with gusto. Electric cars and bikes became a familiar sight, replacing gas-guzzling vehicles. These eco-friendly options were visually distinguished by green number plates, while traditional vehicles sported blue plates. Additionally, the government banned gasoline-powered motorcycles, further pushing the green agenda.

Silence is golden

Another significant step was the ban on vehicle horns within the city limits. This simple measure drastically reduced noise pollution, creating a calmer and more peaceful environment.

A collective effort

Guangzhou’s success story is a testament to the power of collaboration. QIAN Hongjie, Deputy Director General of Guangdong Foreign Affairs Office, emphasises the crucial role played by both the government and the people: "We worked together – the government, the party – to achieve this transformation."

Hope for Dhaka

Meanwhile, Dhaka grapples with its own set of environmental woes. The River Buriganga, once a vital waterway, is now a heavily polluted shadow of its former self. The air is thick with smog, and the constant cacophony of traffic creates a stressful environment.

Sheikh Mashroor, a Bangladeshi student studying in Guangzhou, sees hope in the Chinese city’s transformation.
Sheikh Mashroor, an international studies student at a university in Guangzhou, told the Daily Sun, “As Bangladeshi students, we easily discern the differences in environmental issues between Dhaka and Guangzhou. Not long ago, Guangzhou was in a bad shape. Similarly, the deteriorating condition of Dhaka is a recent development.”

He continued, “There’s much to glean from Guangzhou, particularly in addressing environmental concerns. We can envision transforming our Buriganga akin to the River Pearl of Guangzhou. It’s imperative for us to usher in green energy vehicles in Dhaka to combat black smoke and carbon emissions.”

Hedayet Ullah Khan is a journalist with the Daily Sun