Natural Drainage System and Water Logging in Dhaka: Measures to address the Problems

Abstract

Dhaka city faces extensive water logging during the monsoon (May to October) as a regular phenomenon due to fast and uncontrolled urbanization. This water logging is a problem creating adverse social, physical, economic and environmental impacts in the life and living in Dhaka. Disruption of traffic movement and normal life, damage of structures and infrastructure, destruction of vegetation and aquatic habitats, loss of income potentials are the prime effects of water logging. This paper focuses on the rainfall induced flooding that is caused by high intensity rainfall runoff in the city area, mainly due to the lack of proper drainage system and inefficient management. Urban design and planning, responsive to the geo-climate and hydrological characteristics of the place will help mitigate water logging problem in the city. A close coordination among urban authorities and collaboration between public and private sectors is needed for sustainable operation of the drainage system to minimize water logging in Dhaka.

Vol. 6, December 2013, pp. 23-33