Dhaka’s 220 km canal to revive this year: DNCC

DNCC administrator Mohammad Azaz has said so far digging up of 108 km canal has been completed and the remaining work of 112 km canal will conclude by end of this year to facilitate water flow.

Talking to BSS Mohammad Azaz said as per the Cadastral Survey Khatiyan (CS Khatian), around 340 km canal crisscrossed Dhaka City. But, about 120 km canal were completely abolished due to illegal construction of roads and walkways. Condition of the remaining parts of the canals is also at the verse of extinction.

“In the last three months, we have managed to restore the flow in 108 km canal. We are optimistic to complete the excavation of the remaining 112 km within this year," he said.

Of the excavated 108 km canal, approximately 40 km are under the jurisdiction of Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC).

DNCC administrator said the primary goal for revival of the city canals is to restore water flow and resolve the water stagnation problem during monsoon.

He mentioned about the support of the adviser of the environment ministry Syeda Rizwana Hasan to accomplish the task.

He said, several multi-storey buildings, tin shed and other structures were demolished in Mohammadpur area to recover the lands of Haikkar Khal. Similarly, drives would be conducted in other parts of the city, he added.

Soon, efforts will be made to restore the old canals, including Rupnagar Canal, Paris Canal, Ibrahimpur Canal, Kalshi Canal, and the old canal beside the ECB Chattar, he said.

“The era of grabbing canal sites and illegal construction is over. Regardless of the influence or size of the structures, everything will be completely demolished to reclaim the canals,” the DNCC administrator said.

He stated that there are 17 major spots in the capital where waters remain stagnant for two days. Measures are being taken to resolve the problem, he said.

He however, observed that water stagnant situation might happen in 7-8 locations this year while remaining 10 areas will see significant improvement.

To address the problem, he said, water flow has been increased in the canals and both banks of the 108 kilometers canal are being reinforced for long term sustainability with RCC structures.

The DNCC administrator observed that future government should carry forward the process as the interim government due to lack of fund and time cannot undertake large scale project.

Emphasizing the necessity of sustainable and permanent measure for restoration of the canals, he said, "While we will eventually leave, there is a risk that the canals may be encroached upon again. To prevent this, civil structures such as boundary walls and designated walkways along the canal banks will be essential.”

Highlighting the importance of focus, integrity, and sincerity in executing meaningful projects, the DNCC administrator said, "We spent less than Tk 5 crore to excavate 108 kilometers of canals. If others would have undertaken this work, the budget would have been much bigger.”

“We have demonstrated that effective work can be accomplished with minimal expenditure if there is genuine intent," he said.

The DNCC administrator said a large-scale tree plantation initiative along both sides of the canal has been undertaken to prevent illegal dumping of wastes and encroachment in future. The tree plantation program will be implemented with the support and collaboration of the forest department, he said.

He said about 30 voluntary organizations alongside local communities and environmental groups are being engaged with the task for management of the canals.

He said, DNCC will provide various forms of assistance, including food and refreshments for volunteers. This plantation programme is set to commence on June 1, 2025.