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Tuesday | November 03, 2026 | Dhaka

Dhaka’s Survival Depends on Rescuing Its Lost Water Bodies

 New Nation
 Published: 12:03 AM, 03 November 2026  Updated: 10:15 PM, 02 November 2026

WE are deeply concerned by the findings of a government study on Dhaka’s disappearing water bodies.

The study, conducted by the Urban Development Directorate (UDD) covering 3,126.64 sq km across Dhaka and seven peripheral districts, provides a clear picture of how the region’s river, ponds, and wetlands have been systematically lost over the last 35 years.

The study, presented at an event titled ‘Consultation Workshop-02’ found that the total water area declined from around 304 square kilometres in 1990 to 159 square kilometres in 2025.

It also unearthed that 1,418 of the 2,547 ponds recorded within Dhaka city corporation areas have disappeared, accounting for 55.7 percent of the total.

This has made Dhaka more vulnerable to flooding and waterlogging, while putting its environment at immense risk.

It is to be noted that comparing historical maps with recent satellite imagery, the study identified eight of the 18 rivers shown on James Rennell’s 1776 map as having disappeared.

These are the Ati, Dolai, Herra, Konai, Narai, Painar, Pandu, and Shing rivers. The Dhaleswari River also lost 62 percent of its area.

The UDD research drew on historical maps from 1776 to 2026, government studies, satellite imagery covering 1990-2025, field surveys, interviews and stakeholder consultations.

At the event, Prof. Ishrat Islam of BUET’s Department of Urban and Regional Planning stressed the need to involve relevant departments and organisations, including BELA, BAPA and the Department of Environment with the government study on water bodies.

On the other hand, Mahmud Ali, director (additional secretary) of UDD, also emphasised the need for government and private organisations to work together to develop a comprehensive inventory of existing and historical water bodies.

Attended by representatives from Rajuk, DNCC, DSCC, the National River Conservation Commission, and the River and Delta Research Centre, it is expected to produce a geographic information system (GIS)-ready database of historical and existing water bodies, map missing links between rivers and canals, and assess changes in water-body coverage.

Experts at the event recommend for priority re-excavation of rivers and canals, and proposed policy measures for wetland protection, buffer-zone management, and the integration of water-body conservation into urban planning.

We cannot overlook the fact that many of the major problems in our city, flood, pollution and ecological and environmental degradation, are impossible to solve without reclaiming water bodies.

The government must recognise the gravity of the situation and prioritise water body conservation as an essential element for a sustainable future.