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🇧🇩 Bangladesh /Environment & Climate

Environmental group proposes 7-point plan to tackle Dhaka's waterlogging

From Daily Star · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (BAPA) proposed a seven-point plan to address Dhaka's persistent waterlogging issues.
  • The plan emphasizes science-based planning, coordinated action among agencies, and restoration of the city's natural drainage network.
  • BAPA argues waterlogging results from poor planning and obstructed drainage, not just heavy rainfall, calling for integrated urban management.

An environmental group has put forth a comprehensive seven-point strategy to combat Dhaka's chronic waterlogging problem, advocating for a shift towards science-based planning and coordinated institutional efforts.

Dhaka is drowning not because of rain, but due to coordinated mismanagement

— Seminar TitleThe title of the seminar where BAPA presented its proposals reflects the core argument against attributing waterlogging solely to natural causes.

Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (BAPA) argues that the city's persistent flooding is not solely due to heavy rainfall but is a consequence of flawed urban planning, a lack of inter-agency cooperation, and the obstruction of natural waterways. The organization presented its recommendations at a seminar titled “Dhaka is drowning not because of rain, but due to coordinated mismanagement.”

Key proposals include modernizing waste management systems, developing stormwater drainage aligned with the city's natural topography, and reintegrating rivers, canals, lakes, and wetlands into a cohesive drainage network. BAPA also stressed the importance of preventing further encroachment and pollution of water bodies, reducing reliance on pumps by restoring natural water flows, and establishing accountability among agencies through participatory governance.

No single institution can solve the problem alone, he stressed, calling for a participatory model of urban governance.

— Iqbal HabibHighlighting the need for inter-agency cooperation and community involvement in addressing Dhaka's waterlogging.

Architect Iqbal Habib, a key figure in BAPA, highlighted that multiple agencies, including RAJUK, the city corporations, WASA, and the Bangladesh Water Development Board, are involved in urban management but often fail to collaborate effectively. He called for a participatory model of urban governance, emphasizing that no single institution can resolve the issue alone.

authorities tend to act only when the problem becomes visible and lose focus once the crisis subsides.

— Professor M Firoz AhmedCritiquing the reactive approach of authorities to urban management issues like waterlogging.

Other speakers urged authorities to move beyond short-term fixes and implement sustainable, long-term solutions, especially considering the impacts of climate change. Dhaka South City Corporation's Chief Engineer acknowledged that over half the city's drains are clogged, hindering water flow, and confirmed plans to redesign the drainage system based on long-term rainfall records.

more than half of the city’s drains are clogged with waste, severely restricting water flow.

— Nur Azizur RahmanExplaining a key reason for the persistent waterlogging in Dhaka.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Daily Star in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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