1/5 of new towns must be parkland: YCDC chief
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Public parks have been planned for 20 per cent of Yangon's new towns, says Toe Aung, director of urban planning at Yangon City Development Committee (YCDC).
He told an event attended by Green Lotus, the youth environmental group Gaihahita and UN Habitat at Yangon City Hall, which discussed environmental conservation, weather, transport and water supplies, that the city needed more parks.
“Our urban areas have too few parks and trees which is leading to increased temperatures. Parks are for environmental conservation and recreation. Even if a 30- or 40-foot-wide playground can be built, children will be able to play and adults can rest,” said Toe Aung.
The YCDC and Port Authority were in discussion to develop more green space along the city’s riverbanks, he said.
“Businesses want to develop along the river but we need to create space for the public. This would ventilate the city,” added Toe Aung.
He is calling for 25-foot-wide public paths to be built along the riverbanks.
