Published: 12:57 AM, 04 September 2026
Drains Across Dhaka City Are Clogged With Waste Materials
Drains across Dhaka city are increasingly being clogged with plastic bags, polythene, household waste, construction debris and other discarded materials, aggravating the capital's long-standing waterlogging problem. Even after moderate rainfall, many roads and neighbourhoods become inundated as rainwater fails to flow quickly through the blocked drainage network.
The problem is visible in both residential and commercial areas. Open drains are frequently used as dumping grounds, while roadside food shops, markets and households often dispose of waste without considering its impact on the drainage system. Plastic bottles, packets, polythene bags and other non-biodegradable materials are particularly dangerous because they accumulate inside drains and obstruct the natural flow of water.
During the rainy season, the consequences become severe. Waterlogging disrupts traffic, damages roads, creates difficulties for pedestrians and affects businesses. In low-lying areas, stagnant water may remain for hours or even days, causing considerable hardship for residents. Rickshaws, buses and private vehicles struggle to move through flooded streets, while commuters are often forced to walk through polluted water.
Environmental experts have repeatedly warned that clogged drains can also create serious public-health risks. Stagnant and contaminated water provides favourable conditions for mosquitoes and other disease-carrying insects. It can also become mixed with sewage and household waste, increasing the risk of waterborne and skin-related diseases.
Dhaka's drainage problem is not caused by waste alone. Rapid urbanization, inadequate drainage capacity, unplanned construction, the filling of water bodies and the disappearance of natural canals have also contributed to the city's growing vulnerability to waterlogging. Climate change and increasingly intense rainfall are adding another layer of pressure.
Authorities responsible for waste management and drainage maintenance need to take coordinated action. Regular cleaning of drains before and during the monsoon should be accompanied by strict monitoring of waste disposal. Construction companies and businesses that dump debris into drains should face effective penalties.
At the same time, citizens have an important role to play. Throwing household waste, plastic and polythene into drains may appear convenient, but such practices ultimately create problems for the entire community. Greater public awareness and reliable door-to-door waste collection could encourage residents to dispose of rubbish responsibly.
