80 percent waterlogging will be removed in 15 excavations of Dhaka's 26 canals
October 6, 20243 Mins Read
Jumbangla Desk: A recent study has revealed that if only 15 canals are dug out of the canals occupied by the capital, almost 80 percent of the incessant waterlogging problem can be solved.
The private research institute River and Delta Research Center (RDRC) recently identified 9 flood-prone areas of the capital and solved the ongoing problem.
The canals recommended by RDRC for excavation are- Rupnagar Main Canal, Baunia Canal, Baishteki Canal, Journalist Colony Canal, Kalyanpur Canal, Ibrahimpur Canal, Panthpath Box Culvert Canal, Rayerbazar Canal, Jirani Canal, Rampura Canal South End, Dolai Canal, Kadmatoli Canal and Manda Canal.
The study identified 9 waterlogging 'hotspots': Pallavi Sialbari, Rupnagar and Eastern Housing; Kalshi and Mirpur 11; Tolarbagh, Ahmednagar and Paikpara; Sheorapara, Kazipara and Kafrul; Kala Bagan, Dhanmondi 27, Kanthal Bagan, Green Road and Hatirpool; Hazaribagh, Nawabganj, Rayerbazar, West Dhanmondi and Dhaka Newmarket; Rampura and Badda; Sutrapur, Wari, Nawabpur, Kazi Alauddin Road, Siddique Bazar, Narinda and Tantibazar and Jurain, Siddhirganj, Zaker Manzil, Shyampur, East Jurain, Saddam Market and Rayer Bagh.
The study titled 'Waterlogging and our encroached canals in Dhaka city' was conducted in July this year.
Chairman of RDRC Mohammad Ejaz said, 'Once there were 77 canals and lakes that could remove rainwater from Dhaka. Now most of these are partially or fully occupied.'
He also said, 'If the marked 15 canals can be dug, 80 percent of the city's waterlogging problem will be solved.'
In order to clean these water bodies, the involvement of local people and communities and strong political commitment are needed, he said.
Mohammad Ejaz suggested a model to follow to restore the canals. The city corporation will consult with the local community to plan the restoration and architecture of the canal area and banks concerned, followed by the eviction drive.
He further said, 'The model should encourage people to create their own reservoirs by ensuring that they use and maintain their own land properly.'
Care has been taken to see if the canals identified for excavation are connected to those areas where high waterlogging occurs.
Out of the 15 canals, Rupnagar Main Canal has to be dug to alleviate the waterlogging of Pallabi Sialbari, Rupnagar and Eastern Housing. Digging Baunia Canal, Baishteki Canal and Journalist Colony Canal will solve the waterlogging of Kalshi and Mirpur 11.
On the other hand, Kalyanpur Canal for Tolarbagh, Ahmed Nagar and Paikpara; Ibrahimpur Canal and Kalyanpur Canal for Sheorapara, Kazipara and Kafrul, Panthpath box culvert canal for Kala Bagan, Dhanmondi 27, Kanthal Bagan, Green Road and Hatirpool.
as well as the south end of the Rampura Canal for Rampura and Badda; Rayerbazar Canal and last part of Jirani Canal for Hazaribagh, Nawabganj, Rayerbazar, West Dhanmondi and Dhaka New Market; Dolai Canal for Sutrapur, Wari, Nawabpur, Kazi Alauddin Road, Siddique Bazar, Narinda and Tantibazar and Kadmatoli Canal and Manda Canal to decongest Jurain, Siddhirganj, Zaker Manzil, Shyampur, East Jurain, Saddam Market and Rayerbagh.
As many important canals once used for water drainage have become encroached and narrowed over time, the people of Dhaka suffer from severe flooding every monsoon season. Illegal encroachment of canals, improper drainage system and inadequate planning are most responsible for waterlogging.
After independence, there were 57 canals in Dhaka, but now this number has reduced to 26, most of which are in very poor condition.
Because of this, the capital sinks in a little rain. The people of the city have to suffer a lot.
