19 Dhaka canals to come under renovation

Environment and water resources adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan on Sunday said a master plan would be crafted to renovate 19 canals with an eye to addressing waterlogging in Dhaka city.

Monthly action plan is aimed at addressing the problem in various areas of the metropolis, including Dhanmondi and Malibagh, according to her.

To prevent pollution, the adviser said, owners of multi-storey buildings would have to ensure their own sewage management. "Canals will be restored and more trees be planted on the banks."

Ms Rizwana made the disclosures while speaking as the chief guest at an inter-ministerial meeting held at the Dhaka South City Corporation's Nagar Bhaban.

The meeting discussed the problem of waterlogging in the capital, restoration of canals and water bodies, and demolition of illegal structures.

"In order to eliminate waterlogging, regular excavation and water flow measures should be done along with a long-term plan," continued Ms Rizwana.

For this, effective coordination among and strict monitoring by the agencies concerned are required. The government is committed to keeping canals and water bodies free from encroachments, she added.

Representatives from various ministries and agencies, including water resources secretary Nazmul Ahsan, Dhaka North City Corporation administrator Mohammad Ejaz and Dhaka South City Corporation administrator Md Shahjahan Miah, attended the meeting.

Chaired by Local Government Department secretary Md Nizam Uddin, the meeting discussed the ongoing and future plans to eliminate the city's waterlogging and decided to take actionable steps immediately.

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