[🇧🇩] Water & River Management of Bangladesh

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Canal re-excavation must be integrated into spatial planning framework: BIP

Bangladesh Institute of Planners (BIP) on Saturday urged the government to treat the ongoing canal re-excavation programme not merely as a dredging exercise but as a core component of integrated spatial planning, water governance and climate adaptation. The institute presented its position paper t

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Canal re-excavation must be integrated into spatial planning framework: BIP

UNB

Published :
May 09, 2026 16:56
Updated :
May 09, 2026 16:56

Bangladesh Institute of Planners (BIP) on Saturday urged the government to treat the ongoing canal re-excavation programme not merely as a dredging exercise but as a core component of integrated spatial planning, water governance and climate adaptation.

The institute presented its position paper titled “Canal Re-excavation Programme: In the Context of Water Management, Climate Adaptation and Spatial Planning.”

Canal re-excavation is a necessary beginning, but to achieve lasting results, it must be linked to land use control, natural drainage preservation, waste management, climate adaptation, biodiversity conservation and long-term maintenance, BIP said in the paper.

BIP cited research indicating that Dhaka's rapid urbanisation and encroachment on natural waterways has severely weakened the city's drainage capacity.

A 2023 study warned that continued damage to canals and natural drainage corridors could nearly double flood-affected areas in parts of Dhaka by 2042, raising them from 4.05 percent to 8.47 percent.

The institute said re-excavation would restore water flow and reduce waterlogging in some areas but warned that without assured connectivity between drains, canals and rivers, and without regular desiltation, excavated canals risk becoming clogged again within a short period.

BIP drew attention to findings from a 2024 study showing that Dhaka lost approximately 69 percent of its wetlands between 1990 and 2020. During the same period, land surface temperatures rose by between 3.44°C and 9.35°C, most sharply in areas where wetlands had disappeared fastest.

Without protective measures, the study projected that between 74 and 90 percent of Dhaka's remaining wetlands could be lost by 2050.

BIP called for wetland conservation zones, ecological buffer strips along canal banks, prohibition of illegal structures and mandatory blue-green network requirements in urban planning regulations.

Citing an ActionAid Bangladesh initiative in Badokhali Beel in Barguna, BIP noted that community-led re-excavation of a three-kilometre canal restored natural water flow, increased crop and vegetable production, and helped farmers and fishermen recover their livelihoods, demonstrating that participatory implementation yields more sustainable results.

In the drought-prone Barind region of northwest Bangladesh, BIP referenced a research, showing that re-excavated canals, ponds and wetlands could support Managed Aquifer Recharge, a method of directing surplus rainwater or treated wastewater into the ground to replenish depleted underground aquifers.

BIP warned that re-excavation without simultaneous action on pollution would be self-defeating.

Uncontrolled solid waste, domestic sewage and industrial effluent discharge would rapidly degrade water quality in restored canals, triggering eutrophication, a process where excess nutrients cause unchecked algal growth, depleting oxygen and killing aquatic life.

The institute said re-excavation must be accompanied by functional sewage treatment plants, effluent treatment plants, solid waste collection systems and strict enforcement against direct discharge into waterways.

BIP identified five structural weaknesses undermining current efforts: the absence of a coordinated national water body plan; recurring re-encroachment after excavation; unclear long-term maintenance funding and accountability; weak coordination among water development, local government, urban development, environment, agriculture, fisheries and planning agencies; and inadequate linkage between re-excavation programmes and frameworks such as the Bangladesh Delta Plan 2100 and the National Adaptation Plan 2023–2050.

“Unless these limitations are addressed, the canal re-excavation programme will generate short-term public optimism but will not deliver the results the country needs,” BIP cautioned.

BIP put forward an eleven-point recommendation calling for: a national water resource plan mapping all rivers, canals, beels, wetlands and drainage corridors; river-basin-based planning integrating upstream-downstream and urban-rural linkages; GIS, remote sensing and LiDAR-based digital monitoring; mandatory alignment with the Bangladesh Delta Plan 2100 and NAP 2023–2050; parallel rollout of sewage and waste management infrastructure; environmental impact assessments and soil quality testing for all projects; ecological buffer zones and biodiversity corridors along canal banks; community-based management involving farmers, fishers and local residents; designated maintenance funding and citizen reporting systems; professional planners' involvement in technical oversight; and strict enforcement against re-encroachment.

BIP said it stands ready to provide technical assistance, policy advisory support, spatial planning frameworks, GIS and remote sensing-based analysis, stakeholder consultation and monitoring framework development.

Water management is not merely an engineering matter, it encompasses land use, environment, society, economics, livelihoods and administrative coordination,” the institute said.

It called on the government to reframe the canal re-excavation programme as a broader national initiative for waterway restoration and spatial planning.​

 

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Drinking water management: Crisis, inequality, need for effective action

Safe drinking water shouldn't be treated as a luxury or business commodity. It's a fundamental human right. Ensuring it is the responsibility of the state.

en.prothomalo.com

Drinking water management: Crisis, inequality, need for effective action

Shahiduzzaman

A woman collects water from an inundated tube well amid a crisis of drinking water in Kamalpur, Sariakandi of Bogura. Prothom Alo file photo

The demand for safe drinking water is a long standing issue in Bangladesh and continues to be one of the most urgent public concerns. Safe drinking water is a basic human necessity, yet millions of people are still deprived of it. The government has the responsibility to ensure access to safe and affordable water for all citizens, and this issue must be treated as a national priority because it is directly linked to health, dignity, and human rights.

Despite significant investments and policy initiatives, drinking water management still faces serious challenges. Weak implementation, lack of initiatives, inequality and governance failures, have reduced the effectiveness of many programs. According to reports by the World Bank, improvements in infrastructure have not always ensured safe and reliable water access, especially for vulnerable populations.

Public dissatisfaction has grown over the years, leading to repeated protests in different parts of the country. In coastal districts such as Satkhira and Khulna, communities have organised rallies demanding access to fresh water due to salinity intrusion, as highlighted in field reports supported by UNICEF. In urban areas like Dhaka and Chattogram, residents have protested against contaminated supply water, complaining about foul smell and health risks. These incidents show that safe drinking water is not just a service issue but a matter of survival and public demand.

The government allocates a significant budget each year for water supply and sanitation under the national development program. In the 2025 to 2026 fiscal year, around Tk 9,000 to 11,000 crore has been allocated for water, sanitation, and hygiene related sectors. However, according to assessments by the World Bank and UNICEF, the improvement in water quality and service delivery remains limited despite increased spending.

Corruption and weak governance remain major barriers. Misuse of funds, overpricing of contracts, and poor quality construction are frequently reported issues. According to Transparency International, lack of transparency and accountability in public sector projects significantly affects service delivery and reduces the long term benefits of investments.

Another major issue is poor management and maintenance. Even when treatment plants are installed, many become nonfunctional within a short time due to lack of monitoring and technical capacity. Studies cited by the World Bank indicate that institutional weakness and poor coordination are key reasons behind unsafe drinking water systems in developing countries.

Drinking water has also become a growing private business in Bangladesh.

The bottled and jar water industry is estimated to be worth Tk 3,000 to 5,000 crore annually, with a steady growth rate of around 10 to 15 percent, as discussed in market analyses referenced by the World Bank. While this creates economic opportunities, it raises serious concerns about inequality. The The United Nations recognizes access to safe drinking water as a fundamental human right, essential for life, health, and human dignity. However, the reality across many parts of the world tells a different story.

Safe water is increasingly being treated as a paid commodity rather than a basic right. As water systems become commercialised and privatised, access often depends on the ability to pay rather than the urgency of need.

This growing trend creates a deep inequality within society. Wealthier individuals and communities can afford purified, reliable water through bottled supplies or advanced filtration systems. In contrast, poorer populations are frequently left with limited options, relying on contaminated or unsafe water sources for their daily needs. This not only exposes them to serious health risks but also reinforces cycles of poverty and vulnerability.

When access to clean water becomes dependent on income, it undermines the principle of equality and basic human rights. Ensuring safe, affordable water for all must remain a global priority.

Government supplied water is often unsafe due to leakage, illegal connections, and poor pipeline systems. According to studies published through the World Health Organization, contamination frequently occurs between treatment plants and households, making water unsafe for direct consumption.

Water treatment facilities are also insufficient. Many plants are outdated or poorly maintained, and rural areas often lack any treatment systems. Bangladesh continues to face severe arsenic contamination, affecting around 20 million people, as reported in research supported by UNICEF and other international studies.

The situation is even more critical in coastal regions. Recent estimates suggest that more than 40 million people live in coastal areas, and about 20 to 25 million of them face direct drinking water shortages due to salinity intrusion. Findings from World Bank and Asian Development Bank highlight that climate change has intensified this crisis, making freshwater sources increasingly scarce.

Natural water sources such as rivers, ponds, and canals are heavily polluted due to industrial discharge, agricultural chemicals, and domestic waste. Studies referenced by the World Health Organization indicate that a large proportion of surface water in Bangladesh is unsafe without proper treatment.

Unsafe drinking water has led to a serious public health crisis. According to estimates from the World Health Organisation and UNICEF, between 100,000 and 150,000 people die each year in Bangladesh due to waterborne diseases. Millions more suffer from illnesses such as diarrhoea, cholera, and typhoid. Children are the most affected group, and diarrheal diseases remain among the leading causes of death in the country.

Bangladesh has received strong international support to improve water management. Organizations such as the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, UNICEF, and World Health Organization have invested billions of dollars in water and sanitation programs. However, their evaluations often highlight challenges such as weak implementation, limited local capacity, and sustainability issues.

The government must take stronger responsibility to ensure safe drinking water at low cost for all citizens. This issue must be treated as a priority.

There are important lessons to learn from international experiences in water management. Countries like Singapore and the Netherlands have built highly efficient and sustainable water systems through strong governance, long-term planning, and the use of advanced technology. Singapore, for example, has invested heavily in water recycling and desalination, reducing its dependence on external sources. The Netherlands, known for its expertise in water control, has combined engineering innovation with strict policy frameworks to ensure both safety and sustainability.

In India, several regions have shown progress through community-based water management. Local participation in maintaining water resources, along with government support, has improved access and accountability. According to reports from the World Bank, integrated water resource management—where water supply, sanitation, and environmental protection are addressed together—can significantly improve outcomes.

These examples highlight that effective governance, technological innovation, and community involvement are key to ensuring safe and equitable water access for all.

Despite heavy investment, progress remains slow because many projects focus on construction rather than long term sustainability. This reflects deeper governance and planning issues.

Drinking water management in Bangladesh is not only a technical challenge but also a matter of governance, equality, and human rights. The government must take stronger responsibility to ensure safe drinking water at low cost for all citizens. This issue must be treated as a priority.

Ensuring transparency, reducing corruption, strengthening monitoring systems, regulating private water businesses, and investing in sustainable and climate resilient solutions are essential. Safe drinking water should never be treated as a luxury or a business commodity. It is a fundamental human right, and ensuring it is the responsibility of the state.

* The author is a freelance writer​