TDS Desk:

The reclamation of the key canals of Chattogram city under a mega project is poised to unlock enormous economic potential through the introduction of water transportation and eco- and heritage-based tourism, following the example of several developed countries.

Experts suggested comprehensive planning to keep the canals and their waters clean, protect them from further filling and encroachment, and strict enforcement of the law to stop the discharge of liquid and solid waste into the canals to reap the benefits.

Historically, the city’s waterways were crucial for passenger transport and trade, with canals like Chaktai, Moheshkhal and Nasir connecting busy areas like Bahoddarhat, Sholoshahar and Badamtali.

These canals supported trade hubs like Khatunganj and Chaktai, which are among the country’s largest wholesale markets, while diverting rainwater and household liquid waste to the Karnaphuli and Halda rivers and the Bay of Bengal, keeping the city free from flooding.

However, decades of neglect, encroachment and indiscriminate dumping of waste turned the once useful waterways into a curse, causing unbearable flooding, loss of lives and significant economic damage every year to the port of Chattogram, considered the commercial capital of the country.

It prompted the government to initiate a mega project involving Tk5,616 crore in 2017. The project titled “Re-excavation, Renovation, Expansion and Development of Canal for Mitigating Waterlogging Problems in Chattogram City” got the allocation increased to Tk8,626 crore in a Revised Development Project Plan (RDPP) later.

The Chattogram Development Authority (CDA) is implementing the project in collaboration with the Bangladesh Army.

The main objectives of the project, which has now completed 74% of the physical works with an extended deadline until June 2026, are to re-excavate, widen and line 36 canals, install floodgates at six canal mouths and construct 162.9 km of retaining walls on their banks.

About 62 kilometres of the waterways have already been reclaimed, with channel widths ranging from eight to 30 metres and depths of five to eight metres, project sources said.

Upon completion of the project, 80 kilometres of navigable waterways will connect potentially important urban areas, boosting connectivity and reducing traffic congestion.

Rejuvenated canals are expected to make it possible for ecotourism, heritage tourism, and economical cargo transportation. Additionally, the initiatives will stop the canals from becoming clogged, encroached upon, and contaminated once more.

Sources said that under the project, work on around 17 canals has already been fully completed, while work on five other canals is now underway.

After completion of the project work, Chaktai canal can connect Bahoddarhat to Chawk Bazar, Bakolia and Chaktai; Mohesh canal Halishahar, Boropole, Bandar, Saltgola Crossing; Rampur canal Agrabad and Pahartali, Mirza canal Sholoshohor, Muradpur and Bibirhat; and Noa canal Mohora and Kalurghat, they expected.

The 4.6-metre canal road could also be useful in developing intra-city connectivity for non-motorised traffic.

Speaking to the Daily Sun, Project Director (PD) Lt Col Md Ferdous Ahmed of the Bangladesh Army’s 34 Construction Brigade noted that cities such as Venice, Bangkok and Amsterdam have successfully leveraged their waterways for tourism and sustainable commuting.

Chattogram could follow the countries by introducing water boat excursions, cultural cruises, floating markets and canal eco-tours to highlight the city’s scenic hills, cultural heritage and traditions, contributing to the country’s economy,” said Ahmed.

Waterfront cafes, food courts and markets along the banks of the canals such as Mohesh, Noa, Rajakhali and Bamonshahi could also flourish, boosting the city’s touristic appeal, he suggested.

Presenting the project outcome, Ahmed said flooding in the last monsoon has been reduced to 52%, with the number of areas prone to flooding reduced from 113 to 48, and the duration of flooding shortened from three hours to an hour and a half.

Recalling the rich history of the port city, Karnaphuli River and Canal Protection Movement General Secretary Aliur Rahman said that not only was water transportation taking place there, but there was even a shipyard in Bahoddarhat area of the city for the repairing of the wooden boats that were once used to transport people and goods.

The water connectivity then also facilitated trade through the busy Sholoshahar and Badamtali areas, Aliur said.

Currently, there are no significant city canals due to unplanned and illegal construction.

He recommended adherence to the city’s 1968 Flood Detail Plan during canal reclamation in order to restore some canals to their former forms.

A massive awareness campaign will have to be launched, and the laws will have to be strictly enforced to keep the canals and their waters clean, protect them from further clogging and encroachment, and put an end to the discharge of liquid and solid waste in them, the environmentalist said.

Forum for Planned Chattogram (FPC) President and veteran academic Prof Muhammad Sekander Khan underlined the importance of proper implementation of the mega project to maximise benefits.

A comprehensive plan is imperative to attract people to water tourism and related activities, said Prof Khan, also the former vice-chancellor of East Delta University.

CDA Chairman Engineer Nurul Karim highlighted the plans to hand over the reclaimed canals to the Chattogram City Corporation for regular maintenance.

“The CCC is also preparing waste management strategies. Joint inter-agency efforts are needed to conserve the reclaimed canals and harness their multi-faceted benefits,” he said.

“There are some 57 canals in the city and 36 of them will be tackled as part of this project. Approximately 21 vanished canals will have to be reclaimed to take full advantage of the ongoing mega project,” Karim further noted.