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WATERLOGGING IN DHAKA

Unplanned roads, illegal structures blamed

PINAKI ROY
Unplanned crossroads and illegal structures blocking water flow in the city's remaining canals are the main causes of waterlogging, said the steering committee studying the nagging problem.
Dhaka City Corporation (DCC) has constructed most of the unplanned roads in the city, said the recently formed committee in its Monday's report.
The committee yesterday held a meeting and directed authorities to remove all structures that block water drainage.
"We've already identified some of the illegal roads set up on the canals. We'll soon identify the rest and start removing those to facilitate drainage," said Mehedi Ali Khan, DCC additional chief engineer.
The government on July 3 formed the committee to find out the
reasons behind waterlogging after only 152mm rainfall halted the city life the same day.
The committee has identified at least 10 major points where water drainage is blocked and rainwater inundates adjoining areas.
A crossroad has been built at the meeting point of Khilgaon-Basabo and Jirani canals and it should be removed immediately, its report said.
The committee has also asked authorities to construct three Bailey bridges on Mugda-Maniknagar canal as locals have closed it by building roads.
A large number of crossroads have been built on Rajarbagh-Kadamtala canal, Shahajadpur canal in Badda, Golartek canal in Mirpur and Ramchandrapur canal in Mohammadpur with narrow pipes for drainage.
The committee suggested construction of box culverts and removal of the pipes for proper drainage.
Fish farmers have blocked the city lakes to for the sake of their business, leading to a poor drainage system during the rains. As a result, rainwater floods Gulshan, Banani and Baridhara areas, the committee said, suggesting removal of these blocks.
It also asked authorities to close three sluice gates on Rampura Road to obstruct water flow into the city from its eastern side during floods.
"City corporation ward commissioners have built most of the unplanned roads to meet people's demands. Now the authorities has to remove those to facilitate water drainage," a member of the steering committee said asking not to be named.
But a few members have said all illegal and unplanned structures cannot be removed due to proper initiatives and lack of coordination in planning.
"I know it's not possible to remove all structures. But the authorities should take initiative to remove as many as possible," said an official from the Water and Sewerage Authority (Wasa).
Asked, State Minister for Local Government and Rural Development Ziaul Haque Zia said they are working on the reports and the city dwellers will soon get a positive result.