Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Minister of Local Government, Rural Development, and Cooperatives, informed Parliament on Tuesday that the government has approved a comprehensive short-, medium-, and long-term action plan to address Dhaka's ongoing waterlogging issue. This plan includes building new pump stations, improving drainage infrastructure, and restoring canals.
In response to a written query from MP Md. Abul Kalam (Cumilla-9) of the governing party in the Jatiya Sangsad, he stated that the loss of rivers, canals, and other bodies of water has made Dhaka's drainage problem worse over time.
“Under the short-term programme, silt and waste are being removed from drains, box culverts and canals, while rainwater is being discharged through existing pump stations,” Mirza Fakhrul said.
He added, “portable pumps are also being used to drain accumulated rainwater from waterlogging-prone areas during heavy rainfall, while additional catchpits and iron gratings are being installed to improve drainage.”
“To strengthen emergency response, ward-based teams have been formed to take immediate action in waterlogged areas, and obstructions hindering water flow are being removed,” the minister said.
He added that awareness programmes are being conducted to discourage the dumping of waste into drainage channels.
On medium-term measures, Mirza Fakhrul stated that development work on four major canals is underway under a canal restoration, rehabilitation and beautification project.
“Construction of outlets is underway to discharge water from the Zia Sarani and Shyampur canals into the nearby Buriganga River,” he said.
The minister said again that new drains are also being constructed, while existing drainage infrastructure is being repaired and renovated to improve overall water discharge capacity.
Regarding long-term plans, he continued, “the government has adopted an extensive programme to modernise Dhaka’s drainage network. The plan includes the development of around 50 kilometres of canals, including the Zia Sarani, Kajla and Mridhabari canals, as well as other waterways.
Mirza Fakhrul also mentioned that the authorities will improve drainage and road infrastructure in 18 newly incorporated wards to reduce waterlogging.
In the Dhaka South City Corporation area, additional outlets and pump stations will be built under the drainage master plan for 57 wards to ensure the quick discharge of rainwater, he said.
“The government also plans to assess the capacity of existing drainage facilities and undertake necessary upgrades to increase water flow,” the minister said.
“In addition, utility ducts for electricity, gas, water supply and internet services will be constructed, while a sustainable and modern solid waste management system will be developed to support long-term drainage improvements and urban resilience,” he added.
