Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday told Parliament that the government has adopted a comprehensive short-, medium- and long-term action plan to address Dhaka's persistent waterlogging problem, including canal restoration, drainage infrastructure upgrades and the construction of new pump stations.
Replying to a written question from ruling party lawmaker Md Abul Kalam (Cumilla-9) in the House, which sat with Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad in the chair, he said Dhaka's drainage crisis has worsened over the years due to the loss of rivers, canals and water bodies.
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 said 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 said development work on four major canals are 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 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 said 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, along with other waterways.
Mirza Fakhrul also said drainage and road infrastructure will be improved 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.