Blue Network in phases after reclaiming Dhaka's canals

The 11-member working group, formed to reclaim the canals in the capital city mainly to building 'Blue Network', is set to prepare a short-term, mid-term and long-term plan.

"We've a plan to build 'Blue Network' surrounding the canals in the capital city after reclaiming those from illegal encroachment," Additional Deputy Commissioner (revenue) of Dhaka Parvez Chowdhury and head of the working group told BSS today.

"There has already been a concept paper, researches and studies to this end . . . RAJUK has worked on it. After consultation with all the stakeholders, we are going to form a short-term, mid-term and long-term plan to pursue the network," he continued.

As part of the short-term plan, he said they will soon take necessary measures to pursue the Blue Network while the mid-term will require some budgets to take the plan ahead.

If the canals are found occupied with buildings and establishments, Parvez said, "Then, we will take long-term plan as it will require evicting illegal encroachers and budgets in doing."

Asked about the available statistics of the canals in the capital, he said, "We have so far got information of having 50 canals officially. But, the number may rise."

The working group is going to sit on 23 and 24 November next, he said, adding that the group members will physically visits the canals soon.

After visiting the canals physically in two teams, he said they will prepare a draft work plan and then exchange views with the stakeholders about the draft.

"We would prepare the final work plan by the scheduled time on November 30 next. If require, we will take more time to do so," he said.

In case of preparing the final work plan, the working group will keep in mind the verbal instructions of the concerned adviser, he said.

The government issued a notification on formation of the working group on 5 November last.

"To bring back normal flow of Dhaka's canals and build 'Blue Network' centering the canals after making those free from illegal occupations and pollutions, a working group of 11 members was formed," the notification said.

The members of the group are: additional deputy commissioner (Revenue), representatives from Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB), Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA), Department of Environment, National River Protection Commission, Local Government Engineering Department, Dhaka North City Corporation, Dhaka South City Corporation, Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (RAJUK), (one member of) NGO/volunteer organization and student (selected by local administration.

The group has been asked to prepare the primary work plan after holing a workshop by three days and the final work plan by November 30 with holding dialogues with all stakeholders.

According to available statistics of River and Delta River Centre (RDRC), 120 kilometers of the capital's 300-kilometer canals have been encroached. Multi-storey buildings have also been built on these places.

 Due to encroachment, some canals have become like narrow drains. Experts allege that all housing organizations and influential people have occupied the canal.

Experts say that the canal sites must first be identified so that eviction drive can be launched.