Govt launches drive to restore 19 Dhaka canals before monsoon

The interim government has launched an initiative to restore water flow in 19 canals across Dhaka ahead of the monsoon season.

As part of the first phase, Environment, Forest, Climate Change, and Water Resources Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan inaugurated renovation work on four canals in Dhaka North and two in Dhaka South this (2 February) morning. The work began at a section of Baunia Canal in Mirpur-13.

Housing, Public Works, and Industry Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan and Local Government, Rural Development, Cooperatives, and Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Mahmud Sojib Bhuiyan were also present at the event.

The initiative is being coordinated by the Ministry of Environment and Climate, Ministry of Local Government, Ministry of Housing and Public Works, Dhaka North City Corporation, Dhaka South City Corporation, and other relevant agencies.

"We are working to see how multiple ministries can restore the canals' flow before the monsoon. Excavation will be done first, followed by further steps in phases," Rizwana said.

She stressed the need for community involvement, stating, "We want the canals to become hubs of life. Right now, they only serve as breeding grounds for mosquitoes. We will form committees with locals to prevent encroachment and pollution. Our aim is to restore greenery along the banks and create conditions where fish can survive."

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Rizwana expressed optimism about completing work on 19 canals before the monsoon and noted plans to develop a long-term master plan for their management.

Local Government Adviser Asif Mahmud acknowledged the longstanding nature of the canal issue, saying, "This problem cannot be solved overnight. One of our key initiatives is to develop a 'blue network'—a connected waterway system designed like a park, encouraging people to engage with the canals rather than avoid them."

He added, "Under a different government, time would have been spent on bureaucratic processes. Instead of waiting for projects to be approved, we have started work directly. Future administrations can build on this effort with long-term projects."

Housing and Public Works Adviser Adilur Rahman linked canal encroachment and pollution to systemic corruption, stating, "The state of these canals is proof of the looting and corruption of the last 16 years. Rajuk has already cleared the Totail Beel of encroachment, and work is ongoing to improve waste management."

In the first phase, 21 kilometres of canals—Baunia, Rupnagar, Begunbari, Manda, and Kalunagar—as well as Korail Lake will be renovated.

The initiative aims to improve Dhaka's environmental, economic, and social conditions through effective management of the city's water bodies, including canals and reservoirs.