Dhaka's waterlogging: A governance failure

Every year, even a short spell of rainfall leaves parts of Dhaka waterlogged. Consequently, urban life becomes unbearable, the streets become impassable and traffic comes to a standstill.

The question is: why is the capital waterlogged even after light rain? The answer lies not only in the poor drainage system but also in the illegal destruction of wetlands, flood flow zones, water retention ponds, reservoirs and so on. As a result, Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh, has become increasingly vulnerable, which poses a great threat for the future.
 
It is worth mentioning that Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (RAJUK) had taken several plans to ensure the planned development and urbanisation of the city, such as the Structure Plan (1995-2015), Urban Area Plan (1995-2005), Detailed Area Plan (2010-2015), including the Master Plan.

Once, such wetlands, flood flow zones, reservoirs and water retention ponds existed in Dhaka City to reduce waterlogging. However, over the years these have been filled up.

Bangladesh  Land Developers Association (BLDA) and the Real Estate & Housing Association of Bangladesh (REHAB), which are representative bodies of housing companies, have been engaged in implementing unauthorised housing projects.

Against these unauthorised and illegal housing projects, a writ petition (Writ Petition No. 6072 of 2010, known as BELA v Bangladesh) was filed by the Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association (BELA), Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK), Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (BAPA), the Institute of Architects Bangladesh (IAB) and Poribesh Bachaon Andolon (POBA).

In this case, the Supreme Court of Bangladesh held that the above areas had been developed illegally and had no legal validity. The environment of Dhaka City has been continuously endangered and threatened by various unplanned and illegal activities from both private and public sources. In this respect, Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (RAJUK) and the concerned authorities were also liable for allowing the implementation of such infrastructure.

Dhaka City has lost approximately 19,134 sq. ft of wetlands in Beraid, 7,161 sq. ft of wetlands in Baghair and 2,446 sq. ft of wetlands in Ashulia every day due to the filling of such flood flow zones, reservoirs and water retention ponds.

According to the Town Improvement Act, 1953, once a Master Plan is approved, it shall guide all future developments. If anyone deviates from the Master Plan, they shall be punished with a fine which may extend to one thousand taka, with a further fine which may extend to one hundred taka for every day of continued violation.

Section 5 of the Natural Water Reservoir Conservation Act, 2000 prohibits any change in the nature of any land. If any person violates the Act, they are liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years, or a fine not exceeding Tk 50,000, or both.

Besides, the Building Construction Act and the Private Residential Project Land Development Rules, 2004 have been recklessly contravened in implementing such unauthorised housing projects. It is a matter of regret that, although penalty provisions have been inserted, these activities have not stopped.

Such waterlogging not only cripples urban life but also causes unbearable suffering for low-income people. In 2004 and 2009, two Prime Ministers (PMs) could not attend their offices due to waterlogging, while other officials reached their offices by boat. 

It is also worth mentioning that no adequate or effective action was taken in these situations by either the government or the concerned authorities. If laws exist but are not effectively enforced, are they merely symbolic? When will Dhaka be free from waterlogging?