Shamiran Biswas

Shallow and outdated drains, flood and rain silt, open drains, dumping of garbage in drains, incomplete sewage systems, unplanned sewage systems and lack of proper maintenance of existing sewage systems and removal of piles of garbage in drains. Failure to do so is the main cause of flooding across the country including Dhaka.

As a result of unplanned urbanization, other major metropolitan cities including Dhaka-Chittagong are facing the problem of waterlogging even if there is little rain. The problem of waterlogging in the cities of Dhaka and Chittagong becomes evident with little rain. Lately, Dhaka residents are facing more severe flooding. With little or incessant rain, various parts of the capital and main roads become submerged.

The capital's rain water is supposed to reach the river through WASA Canal WASA Canal - Sewerage but the water from the sewerage is getting to the head. On the other hand, the canals have been illegally filled and occupied. So if it rains a little, waterlogging is now a daily companion of Dhaka city. The population of Dhaka is increasing day by day, due to this unplanned, uncontrolled population growth, in the changing situation, people are not able to deal with the issues in public interest. As a result, problems like waterlogging are poisoning people's lives.

Water pollution, traffic congestion, air and noise pollution, waste disposal, blackwashing, etc. have also regularly emerged as major problems in Dhaka city during the monsoon season, May to October. When it rains in torrents in the city; Roads in different areas of Dhaka city are flooded. Inefficient management and unplanned sewage disposal system are responsible for this condition. Besides, the people concerned believe that this waterlogging is caused by lack of coordination and short-sighted decisions and lack of proper planning by the authorities of various development organizations of Dhaka city.

According to the survey of Bangladesh Institute of Planners, in the last ten years, at least 3 thousand 483 acres of water bodies and low lands in and around Dhaka metropolis have been filled. The survey also said that 10 years ago, there were 1 lakh 937 acres of water bodies and lowlands in various parts of the city, but already 22% i.e. 22 thousand 156 acres have been filled up, which experts believe is contributing to waterlogging every year. Climate change i.e. during the rainy season, heavy rainfall has occurred in Dhaka city recently.

This is due, meteorologists believe, to the location of the area in the extensive floodplain of the Ganga and Brahmaputra. Reservoirs are unable to hold excess water due to unhindered urban development activities and rapid population growth. Along with this, the urban water flow is not able to flow properly in the natural drainage channels, causing waterlogging. Due to which now various areas are constantly waterlogged for several days and the areas are completely immobilized. Lack of proper maintenance of drain system and influence of seasonal tides and geographical location of urban areas are also responsible for inundation.

Sewerage systems, water pumps, canals and rivers of Dhaka metropolis are managed by a total of seven non-governmental organizations. Bangladesh Water Development Board, Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority, Capital Development Authority, Dhaka District Administration, Dhaka Water Supply and Sewerage Authority, Dhaka South City Corporation and Dhaka North City Corporation each organization separately for the development of sewage system in different areas of the capital. Works, but there is no sign of coordination, planning, implementation and cooperation with anyone.

Drains and Canals of Dhaka Metropolis Due to irregular cleaning, maintenance and lack of awareness of the city dwellers, most of the drains of Dhaka are clogged with heavy waste and plastic garbage. When it rains, flooding becomes a huge burden for Dhaka residents. Which creates social, physical, economic and environmental impacts. Unbearable traffic jams are created on the roads. By damaging homes and infrastructure, destroying plant and animal habitats, destroying the livelihoods of working people, and the lives of urban dwellers, this flooding is a bane in many ways. Rainwater is contaminated by runoff, heavy waste, clinical waste, silt, sewage, domestic waste and other pollutants mixed with human activities, which increases the incidence of water-borne diseases. It creates bad smell and unhealthy environment.

It is a sad fact that there were 65 natural canals in Dhaka city, but currently there are only 26 of them. Most of them are littered with garbage and occupied by land grabbers. Dhaka was supposed to have 12% reservoirs which now has only 3%. Already the canal links are blocked with various illegal structures. All canals should be reclaimed from illegal encroachers and connected without delay to save natural water bodies, so that water can be properly drained from the city. Various ponds and reservoirs have already been filled. Another big problem is; Box culverts are not properly maintained - resulting in very slow flow of water.

Most of the canals are now under WASA control. The rest of the canals are not regularly cleaned. Waterlogging management is a major challenge nowadays. In order to deal with waterlogging, the concerned administration should take necessary steps to increase the efficiency of the concerned institutions, plan, coordinate, and increase public awareness. At the same time, cooperation between government and private institutions should be increased.

The writer is a, Agriculture and Environment Specialist, Dhaka.