Decades of unplanned urbanisation, illegal occupation and landfilling have pushed many of Dhaka's canals, ponds and natural waterbodies to the brink of disappearance. Now, the government has launched an initiative to reclaim and restore 118 of them through the two city corporations.
The plan covers 56 canals and 62 ponds, with the aim of improving drainage, protecting the environment and restoring the capital's natural water flow.
According to recent data from the National River Conservation Commission and Dhaka district administration, the capital has 56 canals — 29 under Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) and 27 under Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC). Many have been encroached upon, restricting or blocking their natural flow.
DSCC administrator Md Abdus Salam said the corporation plans to reclaim the canals, demarcate their boundaries and construct retaining walls along both banks.
A project is already under way to reclaim the Shyampur, Manda, Jirani and Kalunagar canals, while other canals under the southern city corporation will be addressed in phases.
In DNCC areas, work to reclaim 10 canals has begun as an initial step. These include Kallyanpur, Rupnagar, Baunia, Diabari, Abdullahpur, Ibrahimpur, Baishteki, Katasur, Ramchandrapur and Begunbari.
Encroachment has led to houses, apartment buildings, shops, markets, workshops, garages, factories and warehouses being built on canal land. Such structures have narrowed or blocked waterways, worsening waterlogging across the city.
Urban experts say the loss of natural water channels has disrupted drainage, damaged biodiversity and increased pressure on groundwater resources. Even moderate rainfall can now cause waterlogging in many parts of Dhaka.
Dhaka University's Department of Criminology Assistant Professor and Chairman Md Rezaul Karim Sohag said the disappearance of canals had obstructed the flow of water and waste towards rivers, contributing to the city's drainage problems.
He warned that preventing fresh encroachment after reclamation would be the biggest challenge, noting that previous eviction drives had often failed to prevent illegal structures from returning due to inadequate monitoring and maintenance.
The DNCC said several agencies would be involved in the process, including the district administration, Water Development Board and Dhaka Metropolitan Police. Their responsibilities include verifying land records, identifying government property, demarcating canal boundaries and carrying out lawful eviction drives.
The Department of Environment's Deputy Director Sabrin Sultana said legal action would be taken against those who dump waste into canals and cause pollution or environmental damage.
Experts say restoring the waterways and ponds could help rainwater drain more quickly, support groundwater recharge and protect habitats for aquatic life and birds. Preserved waterbodies could also serve as emergency water sources and help reduce urban heat.
They also say planned greenery and walkways along restored canals could improve the city's public spaces and environmental conditions.