A new study reveals that by dredging just 15 specific canals in Dhaka, nearly 80% of the city’s waterlogging issues could be resolved. The research, conducted by the River and Delta Research Centre (RDRC), highlights that Dhaka’s flooding is largely due to illegal occupation and poor maintenance of the city’s vital waterways.
The study identifies nine flood-prone areas, including Pallabi, Mirpur, Dhanmondi, and Ramna, and suggests that reclaiming canals such as Rupnagar Main Canal, Baunia Canal, and Kalyanpur Canal could drastically reduce waterlogging in these zones. 
RDRC Chairman, Mohammad Ejaz, emphasized the importance of community involvement and strong political commitment in cleaning and maintaining the canals. He noted, “Dhaka once had 77 canals, but many have been encroached upon or completely lost. Reviving just 15 of these could solve 80% of the flooding problems.”
The proposed dredging plan is aimed at restoring these water bodies through a structured model that involves local participation and urban planning. This strategy would encourage citizens to maintain their areas properly, ensuring long-term sustainability.
The flooding problem has intensified as Dhaka’s drainage system struggles under rapid urbanization, illegal encroachments, and poor infrastructure. Of the 57 canals the city once had post-independence, only 26 remain, many of which are in a dilapidated state, contributing heavily to the annual monsoon woes.
The study stresses that with proper dredging, maintenance, and local involvement, Dhaka’s severe waterlogging could finally be a thing of the past.
