Excavation of 15 canals can resolve 80% of waterlogging in Dhaka: Study

Excavating only 15 encroached canals could resolve approximately 80% of Dhaka's persistent waterlogging problem, according to a recent study.

River and Delta Research Centre (RDRC), a non-government research organisation, has recently conducted the study that identifies nine waterlogging-prone areas in the capital and offers solution to the ongoing problem.

The canals recommended for excavation include Rupnagar Main Khal, Baunia Khal, Baishteki Khal, Sangbadik Colony Khal, Kalyanpur Khal, Ibrahimpur Khal, Panthapath Box Culvert Khal, Rayerbazar Khal, Jirani Khal, the south end of Rampura Khal, Dolai Khal, Kadamtali Khal, and Manda Khal. 

The study identified nine waterlogging hotspots: Pallabi Shiyalbari, Rupnagar, and Eastern Housing; Kalshi and Mirpur 11; Tolarbagh, Ahmed Nagar, and Paikpara; Shewrapara, Kazipara, and Kafrul; Kolabagan, Dhanmondi 27, Kathalbagan, 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 Tanti Bazar; and Jurain, Siddhirganj, Jaker Manjil, Shyampur, Purba Jurain, Saddam Market, and Rayerbag. 

The study titled "Waterlogging in Dhaka city and our encroached canals" was conducted in July, 2024.  

RDRC chairman Mohammad Azaz said once there were 77 canals and lakes to channel the rainwater from the capital but many of them either partly or completely were encroached.

"Some 80 percent of the city's waterlogging problem will be solved, if we can now excavate these 15 canals," he said adding that the engagement of local people and community and strong political commitment are required in the process to clear these water bodies.

To restore the canals, Azaz suggested that a model can be followed where the city corporations will demarcate the encroachment areas and conduct eviction drives after discussions with the local communities to plan the restoration and architecture of the concerned canal sites and banks.

In the model, the people should be encouraged to create own water bodies with an assurance that they will use and maintain their respective sites, he said.

Among the identified canals, specific excavations are linked to particular areas suffering from waterlogging. 

Among the 15 canals, Rupnagar Main Khal should be excavated for addressing the waterlogging problem of Pallabi Shiyalbari, Rupnagar and Eastern Housing; while Baunia Khal, Baishteki Khal and Sangbadik colony khal for Kalshi and Mirpur 11;  Kalyanpur Khal for Tolarbagh, Ahmed Nagar and Paikpara; Ibrahimpur Khal and  Kalyanpur Khal for Shewrapara, Kazipara and Kafrul;, Panthapath Box Culvert Khal for Kolabagan, Dhanmondi 27, Kathalbagan, Green Road and Hatirpool; Rayerbazar Khal and the end portion of Jirani Khal for Hazaribagh, Nawabganj, Rayerbazar, West Dhanmondi and Dhaka Newmarket;, South end of the Rampura Khal for Rampura and Badda; Dolai Khal for Sutrapur, Wari, Nawabpur, Kazi Alauddin road, Siddique bazar, Narinda and Tati bazar; and Kadamtali Khal and Manda Khal for Jurain, Siddhirganj, Jaker Manjil, Shyampur, Purba Jurain, Saddam Market and Rayerbag.

The Dhaka city dwellers suffer from the waterlogging during every monsoon as many canals, once crucial for drainage, have been encroached upon and narrowed over time. Illegal encroachments on canals, improper drainage systems, and insufficient planning contribute the most to waterlogging.

After the independence, there were 57 canals in Dhaka but this number has dwindled to 26, most of which are in poor condition.

Even little rain inundates different parts of the capital, causing immense sufferings to the city dwellers.