Dhaka: As many as seven spots under Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) area may experience water logging for a maximum of three hours as the authorities concerned have already taken steps to mitigate the sufferings of the city dwellers.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, DNCC Administrator Mohammad Ejaz stated in an interview with BSS, the national news agency, that upon assuming office, he identified 19 major water-logged areas. Out of those 19 spots, only seven areas will experience water logging in case of heavy to moderate rains. Ejaz explained that it would take three hours for the water to drain due to blocked drainage pockets, which are currently being cleaned. A network is planned to be built in the next financial year, which will allow the water to drain within one to one and a half hours by the following year.
Ejaz emphasized the need to address the root cause of water logging and find a viable solution. He recalled that after the devastating deluge in Dhaka in 1988, a plan was implemented to protect cities, including Dhaka, from floods and rainwater. Around 50 kilometers of embankments were built, but reservoirs were filled in the process, inspiring large-scale housing projects that further filled reservoirs, canals, ponds, and rivers. This has led to intensified water logging issues in the capital.
The DNCC administrator cited that when it rains in Dhaka, water logging commonly occurs in areas such as Kalshi, Paltan, Khilgaon Jhilpar, Mirpur’s 39-number slum, Ashkona, Dhanmondi-27, and parts of Rayer Bazar. Each of these places formerly had rivers, and Ejaz stressed the importance of investigating the reasons for flooding to implement effective solutions.
He noted that the DNCC’s manpower is actively involved in cleaning drains in various areas, including Kalshi, and mentioned the recent rescue and cleaning of the Paris Canal. Ejaz assured that if there is moderate to heavy rain in Dhaka, water will not accumulate in seven places for more than three hours, eliminating the need for costly projects. Instead, the budget for canal cleaning is being utilized.
Ejaz also highlighted manpower shortages in resolving water logging as a significant issue. Dhaka WASA has handed over drains to the two city corporations, which are now responsible for maintaining around 56 canals. However, more manpower is needed to clean these canals and drains. He pointed out that the authorities have not invested in necessary cleaning equipment despite the emphasis on development over the last 15 years, and that WASA has not taken any initiative in this regard.