Can Dhaka be free from waterlogging?

We heartily welcome the initiatives of two city corporations to draw immediate and long term plans to solve Dhaka's waterlogging problem. Last year, in December, the Dhaka South City Corporation DSCC and Dhaka North City Corporation DNCC made the bold move of taking the responsibility of the city's drainage system and canal management from Wasa, to streamline the total drainage system under these two bodies. We have seen how, over the years, most of the main canals have been narrowed down by encroachers and being choked by indiscriminate dumping of garbage. The result has been the devastating effect of clogging the canals causing debilitating flooding during heavy rainfall.

There are around 39 canals in Dhaka so the task ahead is quite daunting. According to the DSCC mayor, he will give equal importance to recovering the canals from encroachers and removing the garbage from the canals. According to officials, the city corporations have already started removing garbage from the canals, culverts and drains as part of the immediate plan. They are also taking stock of the pumps at different points that pump out rainwater.

The plans of the DSCC in this endeavour are similar to that of the DNCC. In addition it includes disconnecting the sewerage connection from the storm water drain, encouraging households to set up septic tanks and plugging in solid household waste connections with canals and lakes.

But before any work can be done, it is necessary to free the canals from encroachers. The DSCC mayor has said that demarcation work has already been completed and the next step will be to set up pillars according to the demarcation. Encroachers will either leave on their own or the city corporation will evict them. There are also promises of planting trees along the canals and having bicycle lanes along them.

While it is unfortunate that the problems of encroachment and clogging the canals with garbage have been going on for years with no noticeable efforts to find solutions to the problems, we are relieved that the two city corporations are taking up this task in a concerted manner. Needless to say, this will be a formidable, not to mention, expensive, task. The DSCC has apparently earmarked Tk 981 crore to develop the canals. The two corporations must work together under the integrated masterplan and there has to be proper coordination and cooperation between the two. They must also include liquid and solid management in their plan as suggested by an expert. In addition, the two corporations must sensitise the people, especially those living near these canals not to dump waste into them.

Dhaka's waterlogging problem can be solved if every stakeholder acts responsibly and sincerely. While the city corporations embark on this ambitious project, the city's residents must also play their part in helping to clear the canals. The government, moreover, must extend all its support in helping the city corporations to recover the canals from encroachers. The canals must be free so that they can connect with the river without any hindrance. We hope the corporations can successfully implement this project and relieve the city from its perennial waterlogging woes.