"Billions of cubic meters of sand are being dumped to fill up the low-lying areas, miles of canals have already been filled up...if we fail to address the issue of rampant encroachment, Dhaka city might not be liveable in 10 to 15 years time," said the leaders of the National Committee of Paribesh Bachao Andolon (Save the Environment Movement) to eliminate waterlogging in the city.

The press conference titled, 'Recommendations to solve waterlogging problem in the city' was held at the National Press Club where the environmentalists expressed fear of devastating flood in the capital and urged to form a platform of people who would play the watchdog role in keeping the sewerage system clean.

Through a video presentation Shafi Uddin Sarker, chairman of Research and Study Cell at the Institute of Diploma Engineers, Bangladesh showed how the natural canals and water bodies have shrunk in course of time.

With a view to saving the city from waterlogging and imminent flood he insisted on clearing some canals at Goran Chotbari, Kalyanpur, Imamganj, Mill Barack and Rampura for free flow of water.

He also stressed on digging the existing canals saying, "These should be expanded by 200 feet wide and 30 feet deep."

Warning that Dhaka city might take a barren look in next few years with the outbreak of some deadly diseases, Sarker said, "The stagnant water after every short spell of rain is so polluted that plague or cholera may take a heavy toll on city life."

He demanded strong monitoring to stop the factories from discharging untreated toxic wastes into the rivers.

The national committee has already urged the government to demarcate the boundaries of natural canals and water bodies and demolish the illegal structures over there.

Presenting the recommendations, Engineer Abdus Sobhan stressed on maintaining the existing storm sewers, canals, catch pits, receptors and gratings as per the original design.

He also called for urgent measures to ensure free flow of water through canals and culverts.

"The cleaners of Dhaka City Corporation as well as the city dwellers dump the waste in the manholes and catch pits damaging the drainage system," he added.

Engineer Sheikh Mohammad Shahidullah presided over the press conference which was also addressed by Paribesh Bachao Andolon President Abu Naser Khan.