Excavating only 15 encroached canals could resolve approximately 80% of Dhaka's persistent  waterlogging problem, according to a recent study. River and Delta Research Centre (RDRC), a non-government research organization, has recently conducted the study that identifies nine waterlogging-prone areas in the capital and offer solution to the ongoing problem. The canals recommended for excavation include Rupnagar Main Khal, Baunia Khal, Baishteki Khal, Sangbadik Colony Khal, Kalyanpur Khal, Ibrahimpur Khal, Panthapath Box Culvert Khal, Rayerbazar Khal, Jirani Khal, the south end of Rampura Khal, Dolai Khal, Kadamtali Khal, and Manda Khal.  The study identified nine waterlogging hotspots: Pallabi Shiyalbari, Rupnagar, and Eastern Housing; Kalshi and Mirpur 11; Tolarbagh, Ahmed Nagar, and Paikpara; Shewrapara, Kazipara, and Kafrul; Kolabagan, Dhanmondi 27, Kathalbagan, Green Road, and Hatirpool; Hazaribagh, Nawabganj, Rayerbazar, West Dhanmondi, and Dhaka Newmarket; Rampura and Badda; Sutrapur, Wari, Nawabpur, Kazi Alauddin Road, Siddique Bazar, Narinda, and Tanti Bazar; and Jurain, Siddhirganj, Jaker Manjil, Shyampur, Purba Jurain, Saddam Market, and Rayerbag.  Incessant rains throw life out of gear in Dhaka  

Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) mayor Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh on Wednesday said the width of the Buriganga old channel has increased ten times since the beginning of demarcation activities, eviction drives, re-excavation and waste disposal initiatives. He made the remarks while talking to reporters after visiting the ongoing cleaning and re-excavation activities in Buriganga old channel. “We’ve taken initiative to restore the Buriganga old channel for the first time. It was challenging and expensive,” he said.  Read: Gymnasium to be built in every ward: DSCC Mayor Taposh The width of the canal narrowed down due to the encroachment but it has been possible to increase the width almost ten times, he said adding, the project is still ongoing.  “We had to face many challenges.  A lot of cases have also been filed. We have taken the matter to the High Court and we are proceeding", Taposh went on.  DSCC started the project initially through self -financing, Taposh said, “In the meantime, we have hired consultants. Our main goal is to recover the channel properly”.   Read: DSCC evicts 188 illegal shops in Nilkhet Chief Executive Officer of DSCC Mizanur Rahman, Chief Engineer Saleh Ahmed, Secretary Akramuzzaman were present among others, said a press release.