Retention of natural drainage system in Khulna city, Bangladesh

Abstract

An effective and efficient natural drainage system is very important for any urban area to discharge its runoff and waste water for a better and healthy environment. Without an effective and proper drainage system an area faces water logging problem. This may be followed by several other problems,' i.e. unhygienic environment, as it overflows the garbage and makes a favorable environment for the growth of mosquito, which is a common problem in Bangladesh. Khulna, a divisional headquarter at the southwestem part of Bangladesh, is formed with Ganges delta, having an area of 45.65 sq. Km. Among other problems, drainage is one of the dominant problems of Khulna City. There were a good number of natural drainages in Khulna city. But with the passage of time, due to unplanned and haphazard development many of these natural canals were lost or in a position to be totally lost in near future, resulting an unhealthy and inconvenient environment in the city life. The study illustrated a picture of past natural drainage system of the Khulna city and presented the existing natural drainage network . The study also made detailed analysis of the existing conditions along with the causes and consequences of disappearance of natural drainage. The identified causes behind the disappearance of natural drains are haphazard development, projects implementation, Canal bank encroachment by adjacent plot owners, disposing of waste into public water bodies etc. As a result, the city dwellers are already facing water logging problem and its adverse effects like, damage to road, water pollution, disruption of movement etc. These problems are going to be more and more acute if the process of natural canal destruction continues further. It requires all out effort by the govemment, local NGOs and people living along by the canal to protect the remaining natural canals in Khulna city for planned water discharge.