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Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, once adorned with a network of vibrant canals, wetlands, and lakes, now faces the consequences of rapid urbanisation and the loss of its natural waterways. Long-time residents of the city can now only recall the memories of crisscrossing canals across the city that used to keep the city fresh.
Traders from the city recall the days when goods-carrying boats traversed the canals, bringing life to the heart of the city's Karwanbazar wholesale market. However, the once-thriving waterways have given way to encroachment, filling up wetlands and an unplanned city expansion.
The loss in numbers
Decades ago, Dhaka boasted over 50 canals, contributing to its drainage system and ecological balance. Today, a mere 12 canals remain out of the original 56, a stark reminder of the city's lost heritage.
Studies conducted by the Centre of Environment and Geographical Information Services (CEGIS) reveal Dhaka has lost 75 per cent of its perennial wetlands over the last four decades.
In 1967, 15,000 hectares of wetlands existed, but today, only 5,282 hectares remain. Encroachment and landfills have replaced these valuable ecosystems with housing plots and commercial spaces.
Unplanned growth
Dhaka's exponential growth, fueled by industrialisation, export-led garment manufacturing, and rural-urban migration, has strained the city's infrastructure and resources.
With a population density of 23,234 people per square kilometre, Dhaka is one of the most densely populated cities globally.
The rapid urban expansion has led to severe waterlogging, traffic congestion, and the creation of heat islands due to the absence of open spaces and greenery. Moreover, approximately one-third of the city remains uncovered by the drainage system, exacerbating these issues.
Causes and consequences
Illegal encroachment, lack of excavation, demarcation, and monitoring have contributed to the disappearance of canals. Construction projects and the indiscriminate dumping of waste have irreversibly altered the landscape.
The once-flourishing canals, such as Degun, Ibrahimur, Kallyanpur, Dhanmondi, Paribagh, Gulshan, Banani, Mohakhali, and Begunbari, have either vanished or faced severe degradation. The consequences are dire—increased waterlogging, compromised drainage systems, and a decline in the city's livability.
What's the solution?
Experts and urban planners emphasise the importance of decentralisation and proactive governance to manage Dhaka's growth.
Urbanisation experts suggest decentralisation as a means to control unplanned expansion. However, it remains crucial for the government to discourage rural migration and implement sustainable policies.
Reclaiming encroached canals, maintaining them, and establishing effective monitoring mechanisms are essential to restoring Dhaka's waterways and mitigating the city's urban challenges.
The rapid disappearance of canals in Dhaka and the loss of wetlands highlight the urgent need for sustainable urban development practices.
The city's haphazard growth, population influx, and inadequate infrastructure have taken a toll on its liveability and environmental health. The ongoing heat waves should be an eye-opener.
To ensure a brighter future, authorities must prioritise the preservation and restoration of canals, invest in robust drainage systems, and implement effective governance strategies. Through concerted efforts, Dhaka can reclaim its lost canals, alleviate waterlogging, and create a harmonious urban environment for its residents.