Recovering the water bodies in Dhaka

Over the years, many water bodies in Dhaka have vanished. Around two-fifths of water bodies in the capital city have been filled up in the last decade. Influential quarters built houses, mills, markets and even multi-storied buildings on these filled-up water bodies. The result is a collapse of drainage systems in localities and frequent water-logging. During the monsoon, the city experiences regular water-logging. An hour of heavy rainfall overwhelms the drainage system. Water scarcity increases in dry season. Fire-fighters face difficulty in case of big fire. They cannot find adequate water to douse fire. Problems like rising water levels, air-borne disease, and mosquito-related diseases are also linked with the disappearance of water bodies.

Adequate water bodies like ponds and canals help flow rain water out quickly. Water bodies also served as a water reservoir and recharged groundwater. Thus, saving the water bodies is important. There are a few effective steps in this connection. The two city corporations have made some drive to recover some canals but more needs to be done.

Ajay Shaha

Wari, Dhaka