Staff Correspondent, Narayanganj

Will DND residents have to endure waterlogging this monsoon season once again? Project officials do not have a definitive answer. With the monsoon approaching, the fear of waterlogging looms over the 2.2 million people living within the Dhaka-Narayanganj-Demra (DND) project area. Although initiatives to permanently resolve waterlogging and improve drainage in DND have been launched, progress on the project remains slow.

The Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) in Narayanganj has organized a public hearing regarding the maintenance of canals within the DND embankment. The hearing was held on Sunday (February 9) at the BWDB office in Ati Wabda Colony, Siddhirganj.

During the hearing, residents highlighted issues such as the illegal market and shops beside the main drainage canal near Shimrail Pump House, unauthorized occupation of BWDB land by Nit Concern Group in Jalkuri and Adamjee Kadamtali areas, and the need for eviction of illegal occupants.

Despite monsoon seasons coming and going, DND residents continue to suffer from waterlogging, even after the project's launch. Concerns remain about whether the project will be completed within its designated timeline. Recent continuous rainfall has already led to waterlogging inside DND, submerging roads and leaving thousands of people stranded.

A field visit revealed that most canals under the DND project are encroached upon or filled up. In particular, the canal near Shibu Market has been completely covered due to the dumping of sewage waste and plastic.

Residents complain that due to the lack of timely cleaning of canal garbage, even a little rain causes severe waterlogging, submerging roads and houses. This situation has persisted for years without any effective measures from the concerned authorities, leaving DND residents in distress.

However, despite concerns about increasing suffering, army officials implementing the DND project remain optimistic about reducing waterlogging. Several officials stated that, despite financial constraints, relentless efforts are being made to mitigate public suffering. A total of 29 water pumps are ready for operation, and the pump house is prepared to be activated if necessary.

The project was initiated on December 5, 2017, under the 24 Engineering Construction Brigade of the Bangladesh Army’s 19 Engineering Construction Battalion. Previously, in 2016, the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) approved the DND project with an initial budget of BDT 5.58 billion. Later, under the "DND Drainage System Improvement (Phase 2) (First Amendment)" project, the budget was increased to nearly BDT 13 billion.

According to sources, although BDT 3.5061 billion was planned for expenditure in the 2020-2021 fiscal year, only BDT 600 million was allocated. As a result, despite having a project action plan, most ongoing activities have stalled due to financial constraints. Over nearly three and a half years, the project's physical progress is at 50.65%, while financial progress is only 41.55%.

About 10% of the project's completed work, valued at BDT 1.1829 billion, remains unpaid. Contractors involved in various project tasks have suspended their work due to non-payment.

Additionally, due to a lack of project funding, existing utilities within the project area have not been relocated. Consequently, the excavation of canals, as well as the construction of RCC bridges, culverts, and cross drains, have been hindered. Furthermore, 38 illegal structures within the project area have yet to be demolished.

Despite the project being launched, DND residents continue to suffer from waterlogging year after year. The slow implementation of project activities has raised concerns about its completion within the designated timeframe.

A field visit confirmed that most canals under the DND project are still encroached upon or filled up. In particular, the canal near Shibu Market has been completely covered with sewage waste and plastic.

Residents complain that due to the lack of timely garbage cleaning from the canals, even minimal rainfall causes severe waterlogging, submerging roads and houses. This situation has persisted for years without any special measures from the authorities, leaving DND residents with no relief.

However, army officials implementing the DND project remain hopeful about mitigating waterlogging issues.

Several officials stated that, despite financial constraints, relentless efforts are underway to alleviate public suffering. A total of 29 water pumps are ready for operation, and the pump house is prepared to be activated if necessary.

The suffering caused by the ongoing project is temporary. Compared to previous years, the extent of waterlogging has decreased. Even if waterlogging occurs during this monsoon season, its duration will be significantly shorter.

In this situation, everyone must be patient for the greater good of project implementation. Public awareness is essential—waste and plastic should not be dumped indiscriminately, and drainage canals should not be blocked.

After many years, efforts have begun to change the face of the DND area. The process of reclaiming approximately 94 kilometers of encroached canals has started. Work is also in full swing to install pump stations for drainage. Project officials state that a new pump station in Shimrail will be operational before the monsoon, capable of draining 39,000 liters of water per second into the Shitalakshya River.

In cities like Dhaka, such problems may last briefly, but in DND, they persist for months. Residents of Jatrabari, Demra, Shyampur, and Narayanganj Sadar have suffered from waterlogged roads for years. During monsoon seasons, their suffering becomes unbearable. Even in the dry season, vast stagnant water bodies cause distress, along with toxic waste flowing through the few remaining canals.

The root of this suffering dates back to 1968, when a dam was built for irrigation and flood control in the area—now known as the DND Embankment. Since then, the fragile pumping system has remained the only hope for draining water from this vast region. Over the decades, the canals connected to the pump have lost their original form.

A new initiative has begun to restore the 94 kilometers of canals within the DND embankment. The Bangladesh Army is implementing this BDT 5.58 billion project. Launched in late 2017, the project includes pump station plants, canal recovery, walkway construction, and more. The project was initially scheduled for completion in 2020, but it remains ongoing.