Dhaka's 220km canals to be revived within this year: Dhaka North

The Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) has completed dredging of 108 km of canals in the city as part of a project for the revival of 220 km of waterway by the end of this year.

So far, the dredging of 108 km of canals has been completed, and the remaining work of the 112 km canal will conclude by the end of this year to facilitate water flow, Dhaka North Administrator Mohammad Azaz told BSS recently.

 Azaz said as per the Cadastral Survey Khatiyan (CS Khatian), around 340 km of canals crisscrossed Dhaka City. But, about 120 km of canals were completely abolished due to illegal construction of roads and walkways. The condition of the remaining parts of the canals is also at the verge of extinction.

"In the last three months, we have managed to restore the flow in 108 km of canals. We are optimistic to complete the excavation of the remaining 112 km within this year," he said.

Of the excavated 108 km canal, approximately 40 km is under the jurisdiction of Dhaka South City Corporation.

The Dhaka North administrator said the primary goal for the revival of the city canals is to restore water flow and resolve the water stagnation problem during monsoon.

He mentioned the support of the adviser of the environment ministry, Syeda Rizwana Hasan, to accomplish the task.

He said, several multi-storey buildings and other structures were demolished in the Mohammadpur area to recover the lands of Haikkar Khal. Similarly, drives would be conducted in other parts of the city, he added.

Soon, efforts will be made to restore the old canals, including Rupnagar Canal, Paris Canal, Ibrahimpur Canal, Kalshi Canal, and the old canal beside the ECB Chattar, he said.

"The era of grabbing canal sites and illegal construction is over. Regardless of the influence or size of the structures, everything will be completely demolished to reclaim the canals," the DNCC administrator said.

He stated that there are 17 major spots in the capital where waters remain stagnant for two days. Measures are being taken to resolve the problem, he said.

He, however, observed that a stagnant water situation might happen in 7-8 locations this year, while the remaining 10 areas will see significant improvement.

To address the problem, he said, water flow has been increased in the canals, and both banks of the 108 km of canals are being reinforced for long-term sustainability with RCC structures.

The DNCC administrator observed that the future government should carry forward the process, as the interim government, due to a lack of funds and time, cannot undertake the large-scale project.

Emphasising the necessity of sustainable and permanent measures for the restoration of the canals, he said, "While we will eventually leave, there is a risk that the canals may be encroached upon again. To prevent this, civil structures such as boundary walls and designated walkways along the canal banks will be essential." 

Highlighting the importance of focus, integrity, and sincerity in executing meaningful projects, the DNCC administrator said, "We spent less than Tk 5 crore to excavate 108 kilometres of canals. If others had undertaken this work, the budget would have been much bigger." 

"We have demonstrated that effective work can be accomplished with minimal expenditure if there is genuine intent," he said.

The DNCC administrator said a large-scale tree plantation initiative along both sides of the canal has been undertaken to prevent illegal dumping of waste and encroachment in future. The tree plantation program will be implemented with the support and collaboration of the forest department, he said.

He said about 30 voluntary organisations, alongside local communities and environmental groups, are being engaged with the task for the management of the canals. 

He said, DNCC will provide various forms of assistance, including food and refreshments for volunteers. This plantation programme is set to commence on June 1, 2025.