141 Dhaka areas at risk of waterlogging ahead of monsoon

Dhaka’s two city corporations have identified 141 waterlogging-prone areas ahead of the monsoon, with 108 spots under Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) and 33 under Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC).

Authorities said measures are being taken to reduce flooding risks, including canal cleaning, excavation work and the deployment of emergency response teams and additional pumps in vulnerable areas.

However, urban planners and experts warned that Dhaka’s drainage crisis cannot be resolved without restoring canal connectivity, preventing encroachment and implementing an integrated drainage master plan.

Former president of the Bangladesh Institute of Planners Mohammad Fazle Reza Sumon said the major challenge remains the lack of proper connectivity between secondary and tertiary drainage channels and the city’s main outfalls.

“Ultimately, all water must flow into the primary channels. But the necessary connectivity is still not functioning properly,” he said.

He noted that some restored drainage connections have once again fallen victim to encroachment, while many northern parts of the capital remain highly vulnerable despite partial improvement initiatives.

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According to him, the drainage system may fail to cope if rainfall exceeds 80 millimetres, while heavier downpours could trigger severe flooding in several areas.

Experts said many canals and drains remain clogged with waste, while poor connectivity between drainage channels and main outfalls continues to worsen waterlogging across the capital.

DSCC officials said projects have been proposed to improve drainage systems in Dhanmondi, New Market and Bakshibazar areas, while DNCC authorities aim to reduce flooding in Mirpur and several canal zones during the upcoming rainy season.