Published: 08:14 AM, 05 July 2026
Land Grabbers Occupy Lakes and Rivers, Plunging Dhaka into Water Stagnation
Every monsoon, large parts of Dhaka come to a standstill as roads disappear beneath stagnant water, traffic grinds to a halt, and thousands of residents struggle with disrupted daily life. While heavy rainfall is often blamed for the flooding, urban planners and environmental experts argue that a more serious cause lies in the illegal occupation of the city's lakes, canals, and rivers by influential land grabbers. Over the years, many natural water bodies that once served as drainage channels have been filled with sand and construction waste to make way for residential buildings, commercial establishments, and industrial projects. Encroachment has significantly reduced the capacity of these waterways to carry excess rainwater, leaving vast areas vulnerable to prolonged waterlogging during the monsoon season. Environmentalists warn that Dhaka's rapid and largely unplanned urban expansion has severely weakened the city's natural drainage system. Numerous canals have either disappeared or become clogged with waste, while rivers surrounding the capital have narrowed because of illegal structures. As a result, rainwater remains trapped in neighborhoods for days instead of flowing into nearby rivers. Residents of low-lying areas suffer the most. Flooded streets interrupt transportation, damage homes and businesses, contaminate drinking water, and increase the risk of waterborne diseases. Students miss classes, workers struggle to reach their workplaces, and emergency services often face delays due to impassable roads. The economic losses from repeated water stagnation are substantial, affecting businesses, commuters, and public infrastructure alike. Although authorities have launched eviction drives against illegal occupiers from time to time, critics say enforcement has remained inconsistent. Many influential individuals accused of grabbing public water bodies continue to evade legal consequences through political influence or lengthy court proceedings. Experts believe that without strict enforcement of environmental laws and transparent land management, the problem will continue to worsen. Urban planners recommend restoring encroached lakes and canals, improving drainage infrastructure, and preserving remaining wetlands as part of a comprehensive flood management strategy. They also emphasize the need for coordinated action among government agencies, local authorities, and environmental organizations to protect the city's natural waterways. As climate change increases the intensity of rainfall events, Dhaka faces growing risks of urban flooding. Unless illegal encroachment is halted and damaged water bodies are restored, seasonal water stagnation is likely to become even more severe. Protecting rivers, lakes, and canals is no longer only an environmental concern—it is essential for safeguarding public health, ensuring sustainable urban development, and improving the quality of life for millions of city residents.
