ED: Solving the water-logging problem

Dhaka’s water-logging issues appear to get worse every year, and it is unacceptable that its citizens have to suffer through it year after year. To that end, however, it is a sign of encouragement that some steps are being thought of that might finally bring some solace to people in certain parts of the city.

Among these steps is the proposed Kallyanpur Retention Pond project -- a Tk1,500 crore project covering about 182 acres of land -- which is being painted as an ecological breathing space but whose main purpose is to help reduce water-logging in Kallyanpur, Mohammadpur, Gabtoli, Darus Salam, and a portion of greater Mirpur by helping with drainage and acting as a reservoir.

Such projects are certainly a step in the right direction, not just because they aim to tackle the issue of water-logging, but also provide the citizens of Dhaka with a recreational space, and unlike many urban constructions, also focus on introducing biodiversity.

However, we have seen time and time again proposed plans, which look promising on paper, never taken to its implementation stage or suffering from endless delays. This results in a massive loss of resources, and rather than helping the country, only hurts it further. Thus, it is imperative that such a progressive and worthwhile project is given the attention it deserves, and that it is executed efficiently, meeting the deadline and costs that have been proposed.

Dhaka’s water-logging issues will not be eliminated immediately, but there is hope that, through forward-thinking and progressive initiatives, we will be able to put it behind us, sooner rather than later.