A wise coexistence of man and nature was visible at the initial days of development of Dhaka. Until 1950, development of the city took place on the higher terrain and the encompassing rivers, networks of canals and the wetlands were harmoniously used for transportation, defence, fishing or agricultural purpose.
Vast tract of wetlands at close proximity to the central part of Dhaka city has been attracting private developers since 1980s. After construction of the Western Flood Embankment, unplanned development stretched rapidly toward the low lying areas violating all the laws and regulations. Designated flood-zones at the south and west of Dhaka are also experiencing the similar fate. It should be kept in mind, even after completion of the Eastern Embankment, 12 per cent of land should be kept as retention area for storm water storage (according to the study of the JICA). It was evident from catastrophic floods in 1988, 1998 and 2004, that the poor discharge capacities of the existing natural drainage channel are responsible for the longer duration of floods. City dwellers experienced the severity of rain flood during the month of September 2004. Entire city collapsed at that time for poor drainage system of the city. Low-lying lands around Dhaka works as natural retainers of storm water, acts as natural drainage network and certainly help to keep balance in ecosystem.
Land filling activities in those restricted areas have been going on even after enactment of the Water Body Conservation Act 2000 which has prohibited any kind of development in the wetlands. It is a myth that today no wetland remains for conservation. Dhaka is still left with 19.3% of wetland, which requires immediate attention.
Wetlands are like living beings. Once they are destroyed, they cannot be brought back to life again. Programme for restoration of wetlands of Dhaka can be termed as the life-saving drug for the survival of our beloved city and its surroundings. Development authorities in collaboration with experts, NGOs, media personnel and civil society must undertake a dynamic role to protect the wetlands.
Shireen Haque
Dhanmodi, Dhaka
Saving Dhaka's wetlands
FE Team | Published: October 12, 2007 00:00:00 | Updated: February 01, 2018 00:00:00
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