That’s why we talk about constructing canals but not rivers. To clarify this man-made characteristic, many canals are referred to as ”cut canals.” In many places, canals were cut so far back in the past that they now appear to be part of nature. Sometimes even natural rivers are referred to as canals.
Regardless, like rivers and small water channels, canals are significant components of the country’s river system. Hence, canal excavation should be considered a part of the rejuvenation of the river system in the country. Without re-establishing connections with rivers, merely excavating canals within cities will not solve the problems of waterlogging and drainage. This raises the question—where will the water in the canals go? (See my article, ‘Where Will the Canal Water Go?’ The Daily Star, 10 August 2009)
Let’s consider Dhaka city. At one time, there were nearly 50 canals running through this city, connecting it to the Buriganga, Turag, Tongi Khal, and Balu rivers. Due to neglect and encroachment, these canals have been deteriorating for a long time. Following the flood of 1988, the ”Greater Dhaka Western Embankment” was constructed, severing Dhaka’s canals from the Buriganga and Turag rivers.
Later, a project was also enacted to disconnect the eastern side from the Balu river, although environmentalists recommended constructing it as an elevated expressway to maintain the city’s connection with the rivers. Because of these embankments, the flow of water from Dhaka’s canals to the rivers virtually stopped, exacerbating the waterlogging issue. In this reality, merely excavating canals will not resolve Dhaka’s waterlogging; the connections with surrounding rivers must be restored.