Dhaka and Chittagong under water again

The last few days' rain has exposed the dire straits of the drainage system of Dhaka and Chittagong. Bangladesh is no stranger to water-logging caused by Nor'westers and torrential downpours. But for the residents of the two major cities, the situation has turned for the worse this time. The absence of a proper drainage system and catchment areas have resulted in prolonged water-logging. This has caused untold sufferings to the city dwellers. Not only that, a World Bank study predicts a cumulative financial loss of Tk 11,000 crore in the next 35 years, if the downward spiraling of the situation is not arrested soon.

Major parts of the two cities are bearing the brunt of the unplanned development. Over the last few years, low-lying areas that retain water are being filled up in the name of development, totally ignoring the natural requirement of running off. Ponds and water-bodies are encroached and rivulets and canals that work as arteries of the cities are filled up to build housing estates and industrial parks. It is not understandable how we can expect to join the ranks of middle-income countries without building the bear minimum infrastructure required for a modern urban life. 

The solution lies in fixing structural issues and building the necessary capacities. The first step should be to evict all illegal occupation of water bodies, especially the channels that once helped to drain out run-off waters. This is the job of the government. There are many cases against canal grabbers pending in the court, which must be disposed of quickly so as to make sure the canals become free and can hold the extra water during rains. Also, the drainage system needs to be improved.