In spite of multiple master plans geared against resolving waterlogging, Dhaka continues to suffer from extreme flooding after heavy rainfall.
Residents of the capital are step by step subjected to mountainous hardships as many areas change into submerged, bringing the town to a standstill.
Whereas several ambitious drainage projects had been undertaken spherical Dhaka’s rivers and canals, these efforts have not yielded the desired results. A couple of hours of heavy rain are adequate to flood clear substances of the town, leaving key streets and neighborhoods below knee-deep or waist-high water.
Local commuters face extra challenges as public transportation becomes scarce at some stage in heavy rains. Which potential, many are forced to rely on rickshaws and CNG-walk autorickshaws, whose drivers typically profit from the dispute by doubling fares.
Over Tk 750 Crore Spent, but Concerns Persist
Over the final five years, the Dhaka North and South City Companies enjoy spent over Tk 750 crore on canal restoration and drainage enhancements. Yet, these efforts enjoy didn’t fabricate eternal reduction from waterlogging.
Consultants cite glum upkeep and monitoring as fundamental contributors to the disaster. Dr. Adil Muhammad Khan, an urban planner, stated, “The projects implemented up to now have not been correctly-coordinated or done efficiently. The inability of normal upkeep of drainage programs, canals, and field culverts approach that they instant change into clogged with plastic damage, blocking the float of water and ensuing in extreme flooding.”
Dr. Khan also highlighted the shortcoming of coordination between city firms and other executive agencies, ensuing in a blame game that stretches from one rainy season to the next.
“Initiatives are launched, money is spent, but no person is held to blame for the implications. After each and every heavy rain, the water channels change into clogged again as a result of injurious upkeep,” he added.
City Companies Defend Actions
Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) Chief Executive Mizanur Rahman explained that cleaning and maintenance efforts are ongoing but enjoy obstacles.
“We enjoy cleared drains in a number of areas, but heavy rain can peaceful weigh down the system,” he stated.
Dhaka South has up to now spent Tk 350 crore on drainage and water administration projects. This involves restoring several canals and making improvements to drainage potential in high-risk areas. In spite of this, fundamental roads in areas delight in Dhanmondi, Inexperienced Avenue, and Original Market proceed to be submerged after heavy rains, disrupting each day lifestyles and negative properties.
Flood-Inclined Zones and Future Plans
Waterlogging stays a total gaze in neighborhoods corresponding to Bashundhara, Badda, Rampura, Fakirapul, and Mirpur. Even top industrial areas delight in Shantinagar, Malibagh, and Kawran Bazar will no longer be spared. These streets flood with knee-high water, leaving vehicles stranded and causing extreme traffic jams.
The DSCC has already performed work on 104 out of 136 identified waterlogging-inclined zones, with the comfort peaceful underway.
“The flooding dispute is potentially no longer resolved except the canals are fully restored,” stated Mizanur Rahman.
To this reside, the town has launched a Tk 898 crore project, scheduled for completion by 2027, which goals to beautify and restore four key canals within the southern piece of Dhaka. Officials imagine this would possibly perchance likely well also deal lower waterlogging within the prolonged walk.
Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) also reported spending Tk 300 crore on canal and drainage restoration in novel years. In spite of those investments, continuous upkeep is required to elevate the water flowing.
Pure Drainage Destroyed
City planners showcase that great of the scheme back stems from Dhaka’s natural drainage system being filled in and replaced with field culverts.
“We enjoy strangled our rivers and canals, which used to encourage as natural drains. Now, we’re spending millions on recuperating and restoring them, but it is too late,” Dr. Khan stated, pointing to the shortcoming of Dhaka’s as soon as-functioning water administration programs.
