Dhaka's Canals to be Freed From Encroachment, Pollution, Walkways Planned

Government has taken initiatives to restore Dhaka's canals, remove illegal encroachments, control pollution and construct retaining walls and walkways, said State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives Mir Shahe Alam.

He made the remarks Sunday afternoon while inspecting Jirani Canal in the Nandipara area under Wards 74 and 75 of Dhaka South City Corporation.

State Minister for Railways and Road Transport and Bridges Habibur Rashid Habib and DSCC Administrator Md Abdus Salam were present.

Mir Shahe Alam said the government has undertaken initiatives to reduce pollution in rivers surrounding Dhaka while restoring canals in a planned and aesthetically appealing manner.

The goal is to gradually transform Dhaka into a cleaner, safer and more liveable city," he said.

As part of the initiative, retaining walls and walkways will be constructed where necessary along 26 canals under Dhaka South City Corporation and 29 canals under Dhaka North City Corporation, he said.

He said the infrastructure would not only enhance the appearance of canals but also help prevent encroachment and create opportunities for walking and recreation.

Sewage treatment before discharge

Speaking about sewage management, Mir Shahe Alam said initiatives have been taken to ensure untreated sewage does not flow directly into rivers.

Under the initiative, sewage will be treated at plants before discharge. A committee formed for this purpose has already started working at field level, he said.

The state minister said the government did not want to make unrealistic promises of turning Bangladesh into Singapore or Australia overnight.

Taking the existing situation into consideration, the government wants to build a clean, beautiful, safe and liveable Dhaka step by step," he said.

He stressed that protecting rivers and canals is not solely the government's responsibility.

Everyone, including residents and other stakeholders, must play a responsible role. The government will provide necessary policy, technical and administrative support," he said.

More allocation needed for new areas

During the inspection, DSCC Administrator Md Abdus Salam said the government had allocated funds for electricity, drainage and infrastructure development in areas recently brought under the city corporation.

However, he said additional funding would be required to ensure comprehensive development under a well-designed master plan.

Tk 8.98 billion project for four canals

Jirani Canal is being restored under the DSCC project titled "Restoration, Renovation and Creation of Aesthetic Environment of Kalunagar, Manda, Jirani and Shyampur Canals (1st Revised)".

The project has an estimated cost of Tk 8.98 billion. The government will finance 70 percent, while 30 percent will come from DSCC's own funds. The implementation period runs from October 2022 to June 2027.

Under the project, approximately 20.59 kilometres of the four canals will be re-excavated and desilted.

It also includes demarcation of boundaries, slope protection, construction of retaining walls and safety barriers, walkways, landscaping and greenery.

According to DSCC data, overall physical progress stood at 21.84 percent up to fiscal year 2025-26. Progress was 7.83 percent in Manda, 5.60 percent in Jirani, 6.36 percent in Kalunagar and 2.05 percent in Shyampur.

Jirani Canal stretches 3.9km

Jirani Canal, extending from Nandipara towards Trimohoni, is approximately 3.9km long and 4 to 25 metres wide.

Under the project, the canal will undergo re-excavation, boundary demarcation and slope protection. Retaining walls and walkways will also be constructed alongside beautification measures.

Jirani, Manda, Shyampur and Kalunagar canals are important channels for draining rainwater from southern Dhaka.

Restoring natural flow is closely linked to improving drainage and reducing waterlogging.

Walkways, retaining walls, greenery planned

The project includes plans to construct approximately 32.56km of retaining walls, 38.06km of safety barriers and 32.44km of walkways along the four canals.

In addition, eight effluent treatment plants are planned to help control pollution.

The infrastructure is expected to increase opportunities for public movement and recreation while helping prevent encroachment.

The project has set a target of removing 149 illegal structures identified under CS records and another 1,590 structures identified under the Water Act 2013.

Implementation faces challenges

Officials said major challenges include demarcating boundaries, removing illegal structures, dismantling ineffective culverts, inadequate sewage systems and limited availability of land.

Earlier reports highlighted long-standing encroachment, dumping of waste and accumulation of silt, which have obstructed natural flow.

Officials said systematic restoration, removal of waste and silt, eviction of illegal structures and construction of infrastructure could improve Dhaka's drainage while bringing positive changes to environment and quality of life.

Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister A B M Abdus Sattar, Local Government Division Secretary Md Shahidul Hasan, Water Resources Ministry Secretary Dr A K M Shahabuddin and senior officials from Bangladesh Navy and Dhaka South City Corporation were also present.