The New Nation - Internet Edition

ENVIRONMENTALISTS and experts at a recent press conference expressed their grave concern at the fast filling of the capital city's water bodies saying Dhaka would not remain liveable after about 20 years if encroachment on the drains, canals and rivers goes on unabated. Held under the banner of 'Bangladesh Paribesh Andolan', a platform of environmentalists, it was demanded that a specialised organisation should be formed to improve the sewerage system by reclaiming and developing those lost water bodies in and around the mega city to keep it free from water logging.

The environmentalists underscored the need for shifting offices of major government and non-governmental organisations and industries to other parts of the country to ensure balanced economic development and thus reduce the growing pressure of people on the capital. Dhaka has already been on the brink of collapse due to unplanned urbanisation, particularly during the post-liberation period due to construction of buildings by filling up government land, canals, rivers and water bodies.

Unplanned construction and buildings violating rules by exerting undue influences have completely destroyed the capital city's natural drainage system resulting in water logging even after brief rainfall. The real estate companies are also in the race of encroaching on the rivers and canals in the capital city in connivance with corrupt section of the officials.

There were 43 canals in the capital city as identified by the Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (WASA) in 2005 and a committee was formed to reclaim some 13 canals. But there has been little progress in reclaiming of the encroached canals, rivers and water bodies. These were encroached by the land grabbers against whom no effective action could ever be taken. The city's situation would turn worse if drastic actions are not taken right now.