Speakers at a seminar yesterday opined that the drainage system of Dhaka city has become 'vulnerable' following onrush of excessive population, filling of natural dithches, unplanned Infrastructural development and indiscriminate emergence of housing societies in the low lands, reports BSS.

The speakers said this at a seminar on 'Drainage system of Dhaka city: Its present condition, problems and remedies' held at the Institute of Engineers. Bangladesh (IEB).

LG RD and Cooperatives Min-

ister Zillur Rahman addressing the seminar as the chief guest said, despite limitation of resources, the government has taken up effective and pragmatic measures to cope with the curse of water logging in Dhaka city.

"There are already some tremendous achievements in the sector." he said, referring to the successful solution of long standing water logging in Shantinagar in the city.

Dr Zahir Chowdhury of BUET, Kazi Mohammad Snish, chief engineer, Dhaka WASA,

Mohammad Kadirruzzaman, chief engineer of DPHE and IEB Sieral secretary Engineer ANH hter Hossain spoke on the occasion while Engineer Kazi Ali Azam chaired it.

The seminar recommended 20-point working plan for the development of the sewerage system In the capital Dhaka, now being overburdened by more than 10 million people. The recommendations include •-.li:.?« of effective measures to implement the 'city master plan and its drainage master plan’ on an urgent basis, freeing the natural and artificial ditches from illegal occupants, ban on production of polythene bag and community participation to maintain the sewerage system in the city.

Zillur Rahman also mentioned other steps and programmes taken by the government for freeing the capital city from water logging and said the work of Dhaka Integrated Flood . Protection Project under FAP is nearer to completion. "Development of Dholaikhal and Jl-rani Khal under Drainage Improvement Project of Old Dhaka is progressing fast." he said, adding that setting up of pump stations In the mouth of the river Buriganga was going on a full swing.

Besides, steps have been taken to launch the survey of Dhaka Flood Protection Embankment cum Bypass Road Integrated Multipurpose Project. he said and added when implemented the people of the eastern part of the city would get relief from water logging and flood together with the western side.

He also said a master plan for the greater Dhaka and its drainage system has been formulated under FAP-4 project. This project, he said, would include drainage system of Dhaka city. DND area of Narayanganj. Keraniganj. Tongi and Savar. he added.