Dhaka’s Waterlogging Crisis: Not a Curse of Nature, but the Consequence of Decades of Poor Urban Planning
Special Report | Dhaka
A recent analytical discussion highlighted the root causes of Dhaka’s waterlogging crisis, administrative failures, and possible solutions by examining successful global models. According to the analysis, Dhaka’s waterlogging is not a natural disaster; rather, it is the outcome of decades of mismanagement, unplanned urban expansion, and lack of effective governance.
Lost Canals, Shrinking Water Bodies
However, due to rapid urbanization, illegal occupation, and poor conservation practices, only about 26 canals remain today.
Research indicates that Dhaka has lost more than 60 percent of its water bodies over the past four decades. Many of the natural reservoirs that once stored excess rainwater have been transformed into high-rise buildings, housing projects, and commercial establishments.
Urban experts believe that the destruction of these natural water retention systems has severely reduced Dhaka’s ability to manage rainfall. As a result, even moderate rainfall puts enormous pressure on the city’s drainage infrastructure.
A Concrete City Where Water Has Lost Its Natural Path
In 1980, only around 7 percent of Dhaka’s surface area was covered by concrete structures. Today, that figure has increased to nearly 49 percent.
This dramatic increase means rainwater no longer has sufficient opportunity to seep naturally into the ground. Instead, most rainfall flows directly onto roads and drainage systems, creating overwhelming pressure on the city’s already weak infrastructure.
Urban planners describe modern Dhaka as a “concrete city” where water accumulation has become far more common than natural absorption.
Box Culverts: Expensive Infrastructure Losing Its Effectiveness
Box culverts were constructed in different parts of Dhaka primarily to improve water drainage. However, years of poor maintenance, garbage accumulation, and sediment buildup have significantly reduced their efficiency.
According to the analysis, many box culverts are now operating at only 5 to 10 percent of their original capacity.
Instead of helping remove excess water, these blocked drainage systems have become one of the major contributors to the city’s waterlogging problem.
Four Agencies, One Crisis: Dhaka Trapped in a Cycle of Poor Coordination
Experts identify administrative fragmentation as one of the biggest reasons behind Dhaka’s persistent waterlogging.
Currently, four separate government bodies — the Bangladesh Water Development Board, Dhaka WASA, City Corporations, and RAJUK — are involved in different aspects of the city’s water management system.
However, the lack of effective coordination among these institutions creates serious problems. Water from one drainage network often fails to reach another canal or reservoir because of poor planning and disconnected systems.
Urban specialists argue that this fragmented management structure has made Dhaka’s waterlogging crisis even more complicated.
Global Success Stories: Lessons Dhaka Can Learn
Tokyo’s Underground Flood Control System
Japan’s capital Tokyo is considered one of the world’s leading examples of advanced flood and water management.
The city has developed massive underground reservoirs and tunnel networks deep beneath the ground to store and remove excess rainwater efficiently.
These underground facilities are capable of moving hundreds of tons of water every second, protecting the city from severe flooding during heavy rainfall.
Kuala Lumpur’s SMART Tunnel
Malaysia’s capital Kuala Lumpur introduced the famous SMART Tunnel, which serves two purposes simultaneously: transportation and flood control.
During normal weather conditions, the tunnel functions as a road for vehicles. During heavy rainfall, it transforms into a drainage channel to carry away floodwater.
This innovative approach allows one piece of infrastructure to solve two major urban problems.
Singapore’s Canal Restoration Project
Singapore has transformed traditional concrete drains and channels into more natural river systems.
This approach has increased water storage capacity while also creating attractive public parks and green spaces for citizens.
The environmentally friendly model is now considered one of the world’s most successful examples of sustainable urban water management.
Rotterdam’s Water Squares
The Dutch city of Rotterdam has introduced a unique concept known as “Water Squares.”
During dry periods, these areas function as public spaces, playgrounds, or community gathering zones.
However, during heavy rainfall, they temporarily transform into water storage areas, collecting excess rainwater and reducing pressure on the drainage system.
Immediate Solutions for Dhaka
Experts believe that before launching expensive new mega-projects, the government should focus on restoring and maintaining existing infrastructure.
One important recommendation is cleaning critical box culverts, including the route from Shilpakala Academy to Paltan. Proper maintenance of this single drainage system could directly benefit nearly one million people.
Research also suggests that restoring and re-excavating only 15 major canals of Dhaka could potentially eliminate around 80 percent of the city’s waterlogging problems.
For example, clearing the underground culvert beneath Panthapath could significantly reduce waterlogging in areas such as Dhanmondi, Kalabagan, and surrounding neighborhoods.
Technical Solutions Alone Are Not Enough: Political Reform Is Essential
Experts emphasize that engineering solutions alone cannot permanently solve Dhaka’s waterlogging crisis.
A single accountable authority is needed to oversee the entire urban drainage system with clear responsibility and decision-making power.
Alongside technical improvements, the city requires:
- Long-term political commitment
- Effective urban planning
- Strong institutional coordination
- Empowerment of local representatives
- Transparent governance
According to experts, without fundamental structural reforms in urban management, lasting solutions to problems like waterlogging will remain impossible.
Conclusion
Dhaka’s waterlogging problem is no longer just a seasonal inconvenience. It has become a major test of urban planning, environmental management, administrative efficiency, and political commitment.
A city that once maintained its natural balance through rivers, canals, and wetlands is now struggling under the weight of uncontrolled concrete expansion.
However, experiences from cities around the world prove that with proper planning, coordinated action, modern technology, and strong political will, Dhaka can also overcome its waterlogging crisis.
The biggest question remains:
When the solutions are already known, does Dhaka have the courage and determination to finally implement them?
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