These two views from Copernicus Sentinel-2 reveal the panorama transformation within the space round Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh.
This comparability reveals Dhaka and its environment in February 2017 (left) and February 2026. The photographs have been processed in false color utilizing Sentinel-2’s near-infrared channel to indicate vegetation in crimson, water our bodies in darkish blue and black and built-up areas in tones of gray. The robust distinction of colors makes it simpler to tell apart the dimensions of adjustments which have occurred within the space up to now 9 years.
Town of Dhaka, seen in gray close to the centre, lies on a plain crossed by a posh community of streams and rivers. The three rivers crossing the city space are, from west to east, the Dhaleswari, Buriganga and Sitalakhya rivers, whereas the encircling plain is bounded by the confluence of bigger rivers: the Padma River to the west, the Jamuna River, an intensive interconnected channel system converging from the northwest, and the Meghna River to the east.
The Jamuna is the decrease stream of the Brahmaputra River, which originates in Tibet earlier than flowing by India after which southwest into Bangladesh. The Jamuna flows south and joins the Padma River, which is the decrease part of the Ganges inside Bangladesh. The ensuing stream then meets the Meghna River, which ultimately flows into the Bay of Bengal.
The realm inside these mighty rivers is a low-lying floodplain closely influenced by monsoon-driven sedimentation and steady hydrological change. A number of areas of dry and uncovered riverbeds are seen as gentle patches, particularly alongside the Jamuna-Padma river system.
Evaluating the 2 pictures, noticeable adjustments within the form and width of the Padma River will be observed, particularly on the confluence with the Meghna River.
The crimson tones dominating each pictures depict in depth lush vegetation. The 2026 picture highlights the expansion of city sprawl round Dhaka. Constructed-up surfaces have expanded dramatically, engulfing former agricultural and wetland areas. Zones that had been brilliant crimson in 2017 seem now duller, indicating soil publicity, building or floor sealing.
With an estimated inhabitants of over 36 million, Dhaka is Bangladesh’s most populous metropolis and is broadly thought-about as one of many quickest rising metropolitan areas in South Asia. Like many different rising cities on the planet, it’s dealing with the daunting problem of city sprawl together with the rise in inhabitants density, each of which put stress on city land within the metropolis, but additionally on agricultural land within the periphery, in addition to on different pure sources.
Copernicus Sentinel-2 permits city progress to be monitored precisely, offering important info to city planners and decision-makers. The mission can also be principally used to trace adjustments in the best way land is getting used and to watch the well being of vegetation in addition to inland water our bodies.
