CHATTOGRAM, June 15: The Chattogram City Corporation (CCC) is going to recover and excavate its 21 'disappeared' canals, outside the ongoing mega project, to solve the waterlogging crisis in the port-city.
Besides, of the total 57 canals in the CCC areas, the corporation is planning to take over the management of the 36 canals, under the government mega project, along with sluice gates and other vital infrastructure. These canals are excavated and restored under the mega project to permanently solve the waterlogging crisis of Chattogram.
The CCC took the decision to recover and excavate the 21 canals, which are occupied by land-grabbers. A pre-feasibility study has begun to restore the canals. The Netherlands Embassy in Bangladesh is funding the study.
The CCC is conducting this study through a Dutch company that will conduct a survey on drainage system and solid waste management in 41 wards under the CCC primarily to address waterlogging.
CCC Mayor Dr. Shahadat Hossain said, "We are preparing a development project proposal (DPP) for restoration of the 21 canals. We have invited the Dutch organisation for the feasibility study. It is very important to restore the 21 canals."
"Of the total 57 canals in Chattogram, 36 canals are included in the mega project, which will be completed soon. If the remaining 21 canals are not restored, it will not be possible to completely get rid of the problem of waterlogging."
The Dutch company could complete the work in four months, he added.
According to WASA's Drainage Master Plan 2016, the 21 canals outside the mega project are Chatteshwari Canal, Ghat No. 15 Airport Canal, Rampur Canal, Balukhali Canal, Krishnakhali Canal, Kuaish Canal, Forest Canal, Baringachara Canal in North Salimpur and Dhamair Canal in Bhatiari.
Besides, there are 12 connected canals at the Naval Academy, Charpara, Hossain Ahmed Para, Patenga Muslimabad, CEPZ Anandabazar, CEPZ Notun Para, North Halishahar, North Kattali, Latifpur and Salimpur switchgates.
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