The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Dhaka

Twenty-five canals have disappeared from the landscape of the capital city of Dhaka in last 36 years.

There were 47 canals in the city till the country's independence in 1971. Now, there is the existence of 22 canals in the city, but those are getting narrower day by day.

According to information collected from Dhaka City Corporation, environmental organisations and the Dhaka Gazette, once there were also many big ponds in Dhaka city, but those are no more now.

According to sources, the natural canals were filled up by influential political leaders and land grabbers. High-rise building have been constructed on the filled up canals.

Environmentalists say filling up the canals and unplanned constructions are responsible for waterlogging in the city during the monsoon every year. There is still the existence of 22 canals in the city, but those are proceeding towards disappearance.