Encroachment of canals, poor solid waste management behind water logging
Tuesday, 25 August 2009
Encroachment of canals and poor solid waste management are behind chronic water logging problem in urban areas during monsoon, especially in Dhaka City, reports BSS.
Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) Professor Mujibur Rahman, a leading environment specialist told BSS this today.
As per record, of total 43 canals now exist only 26 in Dhaka City, free flow of which are obstructed in different ways.
Dr Mujib said, storm water drainage system in Dhaka City is not working due to encroachment of canals both by public and private agencies, filling up of lakes by solid wastes, clogging of storm water drainage pipes and lacking in regular maintenance of lines.
He said, regular maintenance of storm drainage lines is necessary to keep them flowing and implementation of existing regulations regarding sewerage and drainage systems are also necessary.
Conducting awareness campaign to connect domestic and industrial wastewater lines to storm drains must be forbidden to get out of this problem, he added.
Mujib emphasised on increased sanitation coverage for proper disposal of domestic and industrial sewage, stop constructing box culverts to replace open canals and re-excavate encroached and choked outlet khals to make them flowing.
He said, in favour of ensuring acquisition of land for retention ponds and pump stations at specified locations, awareness campaign, especially involving elected officials, government agencies, real estate developers and the civil society must be undertaken.
Adequate drainage network is necessary which would carry storm-water to the receiving khals or canals.
Flowing canal water that would carry drainage water to the surrounding rivers through retention pond- pump station arrangement where it is necessary, he added.
Filling up of low land earmarked for retention ponds, connection of domestic and industrial wastewater lines to storm drainage system and inadequate number and inappropriate placement catch pits and basins are also responsible for water logging.
Mujib also said, dumping of solid waste at the outlet of the storm-drainage near khal junctions leads to severe drainage congestion.
He said, encroachment by developers of Begunbari-Manda khal junction, leading to narrowing the drainage discharge section in eastern Dhaka. Dholai khal converted into box culvert and Segunbagicha box culvert is being clogged up due to poor maintenance, he pointed out.
Prof Mujib said, ownership of canals is an important issue with regard to their maintenance and management. Co-operation of law enforcers, elected local representatives and Dhaka WASA is necessary to remove illegal occupation and to re-excavate the canals.
Process of acquisition of low lands for building retention pond at some location remains stalled. This is allowing illegal filling up of low lands and occupation of those by influential groups, he added.
He also said dual responsibilities of Dhaka drainage system shared by DCC and WASA needs to be resolved. Inadequate budget provision for maintenance of drainage network including canals, box culverts and pump stations has also to be addressed.
He suggested promoting opening of flowing canals, which would not only solve drainage problems but also contribute to refresh the city's environment reducing city's mosquito menace.
Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) Professor Mujibur Rahman, a leading environment specialist told BSS this today.
As per record, of total 43 canals now exist only 26 in Dhaka City, free flow of which are obstructed in different ways.
Dr Mujib said, storm water drainage system in Dhaka City is not working due to encroachment of canals both by public and private agencies, filling up of lakes by solid wastes, clogging of storm water drainage pipes and lacking in regular maintenance of lines.
He said, regular maintenance of storm drainage lines is necessary to keep them flowing and implementation of existing regulations regarding sewerage and drainage systems are also necessary.
Conducting awareness campaign to connect domestic and industrial wastewater lines to storm drains must be forbidden to get out of this problem, he added.
Mujib emphasised on increased sanitation coverage for proper disposal of domestic and industrial sewage, stop constructing box culverts to replace open canals and re-excavate encroached and choked outlet khals to make them flowing.
He said, in favour of ensuring acquisition of land for retention ponds and pump stations at specified locations, awareness campaign, especially involving elected officials, government agencies, real estate developers and the civil society must be undertaken.
Adequate drainage network is necessary which would carry storm-water to the receiving khals or canals.
Flowing canal water that would carry drainage water to the surrounding rivers through retention pond- pump station arrangement where it is necessary, he added.
Filling up of low land earmarked for retention ponds, connection of domestic and industrial wastewater lines to storm drainage system and inadequate number and inappropriate placement catch pits and basins are also responsible for water logging.
Mujib also said, dumping of solid waste at the outlet of the storm-drainage near khal junctions leads to severe drainage congestion.
He said, encroachment by developers of Begunbari-Manda khal junction, leading to narrowing the drainage discharge section in eastern Dhaka. Dholai khal converted into box culvert and Segunbagicha box culvert is being clogged up due to poor maintenance, he pointed out.
Prof Mujib said, ownership of canals is an important issue with regard to their maintenance and management. Co-operation of law enforcers, elected local representatives and Dhaka WASA is necessary to remove illegal occupation and to re-excavate the canals.
Process of acquisition of low lands for building retention pond at some location remains stalled. This is allowing illegal filling up of low lands and occupation of those by influential groups, he added.
He also said dual responsibilities of Dhaka drainage system shared by DCC and WASA needs to be resolved. Inadequate budget provision for maintenance of drainage network including canals, box culverts and pump stations has also to be addressed.
He suggested promoting opening of flowing canals, which would not only solve drainage problems but also contribute to refresh the city's environment reducing city's mosquito menace.