Chattogram, the largest port city in Bangladesh and the second most populous city, holds an immense historical and economic significance due to its strategic location. Located on the southeastern coast of the Bay of Bengal, this city is best- known for harboring the most vital maritime gateway for Bangladesh. The inland waterways of Chattogram also have a rich history intertwined with the development of the city as a significant port, and played an instrumental role in shaping urban, environmental, and economic landscape of the region. Over the years, however, these waterways have faced neglect, pollution, and encroachment; leading to a decline in their functionality, and caused significant waterlogging in the surrounding neighborhoods. To mitigate those, a good number government initiatives were undertaken over the past few years; of which, the 36-canal reclamation project is the most significant one. This project basically aims at constructing 162.9 km of retaining walls along previously designated canal-banks, as well as to provision suitable conditions for creating a free flow of water through those. After digitizing data needs of state-designated waterway network, the “Re-excavation, Renovation, Expansion and Development of Khals for Mitigating Water Logging Problems in Chattogram City” project is likely to revolutionize the city’s inland waterways through the process of revitalization. While the project primarily focuses on the specifics of waterlogging, a window of opportunities awaits in terms of fostering overall resilience in the community goals for the city-dwellers of Chattogram city.
Chattogram’s waterways served as the trading routes for generations, both nationally and internationally. During the British era, Chattogram port was known to be a key stop on South-Asian trade routes to the Middle East. The Chaktai-Khatunganj business hub, once known as the ‘wall street of Bangladesh’ is located along the bank of the Chaktai canal. However, as the time went on, illegal encroachment took a heavy toll out of this canal; resulting serious waterlogging in the surrounding areas, which is now metaphorically known as the ‘Hoyang Ho of Chattogram city’. Likewise, the Mohesh canal had a rich history in complementing the local trades with the iconic Chattogram port operations. Therefore, the 80-km of rejuvenated inland waterways, which is the projected outcome of re-excavation of 36-canal project can offer a better economic potential for the entire region by leveraging multifaceted business benefits. Since cities like Chattogram were founded through waterway channels, the renaissance of an alternative transportation mode over waterways is not just a revival
of the past, but rather a solution to innumerable problems in crowded settlements. Integration of waterways could reduce congestion on urban transport system by drawing a sizable slice of it into water based transfers. Significant advantages have also been experienced by other cities across the world that have recognized the value of inland waterways. In Venice, Italy, the canals still connect city neighborhoods without adding to traffic. Bangkok, formerly known as the “Venice of the East,” has also been revitalizing its canals to reduce bottlenecks on traditional transportation modes and create a water taxi and ferry system. Amsterdam’s canals are a marvel of history and an essential part of the city’s transport system; breaking through land mobility bottlenecks and enabling sustainable commuting.
Taking examples from the global platform, the revival of 80-km of inland waterways could unlock eco-tourism and heritage-based tourism; enhancing the city’s appeal. Furthermore, the varying widths (8m-30m) and depths (5m-8m) of the projected waterways could increase needful accessibility between communities through the process of inducting different types of eco-friendly water transports. For example, Chaktai canal may connect Bahaddarhat with Chawkbazar, Bakalia, and Chaktai; Mahesh canal may connect Halishahar, Barapole, Bandar, Saltgola Crossing; Rampur canal may connect Agrabad and Pahartoli; Mirza canal may connect Sholoshohor, Muradpur, and Bibirhat; Noa canal may connect Mohora and Kalurghat. In this connection, 4.6m of canal-side road (inclusive to project) might also be useful in developing intra-regional-connectivity by attracting more number of non-motorized traffics affecting traditional transportation mode.
Restoring canal linings might also have a paradigm shift in the overall outlook of tourism industry in Chattogram city. The water-based activity being one of the most popular form of tourism across the world, this city can also expect to instil an afresh GDP engine into the sector; adding super-value to the wholesome economic purview of the country. Water-based tourism has boosted Bangkok’s popularity and economy; making it fourth largest economic source all over the country. On the other hand, Gondola rides, canal tours, and water taxis draw millions of visitors to Venice every year and contribute approximately 11–12% of the overall Italian GDP. With the Bay of Bengal as its background and freshly revitalized canals alongside, the city of Chattogram is highly prospective of water-based tourism. Riverboat excursions, cultural cruises, floating markets, and canal eco-tours will certainly bring changes in touristic outlook through the fond experience of enjoying city’s legacy, picturesque hills and local traditions in a more idiosyncratic way. The banks of the canals like Mohesh, Noa, Rajakhali, Bamonshahi etc can also gracefully host waterfront cafes, food courts and markets for the tourists who wish to join the water-based activity; a well-planned landscaping along the canal-banks can add more colour to it. Reinstating ecosystem services for the urban residents through revitalization of water-bodies is an essential strategy, especially for cities like Chattogram, where water-bodies are integral to the environment and community well-being.
These 80-km of inland waterways will again be one of the most significant metropolitan arteries to minimize floods from severe rains. Waterways, if restored to original dimensions, can also reduce constraints on artificial drainage systems and help eliminating residential or commercial water logging. This process, however, offers the city-dwellers with more spaces for a greener and livelier urban environment, allowing a system that quickly removes excess runoff, protects infrastructure, and businesses from water damage, and strengthens urban climate resilience against extreme weather condition. Restoring riparian system reduces pollutants and promotes biodiversity and ecosystem health, improving water quality and habitat patterns. Many aquatic and terrestrial species use restored streams as habitats, and they also supply clean drinking water to local residents. When we add green corridors and wetland regions to the contributing water locks, we can boost urban municipal sustainability and reduce the urban carbon footprint.Imagine a city where pollution-free environmental awareness is linked with waterway and urban environment rehabilitation. Reviving Chattogram as a water-city, will encourage its residents to protect the environment as its growth goals align with sustainability efforts. Rehabilitated canals might create needful momentum for a social awareness campaign that involves pollution abatement efforts like waste management, littering prevention, and sponge cities to help understanding the community what would keep these waterways clean. However, the resurgence of these canals could give rise to a trend towards sustainable urban living; the combination of pollution control and clean waterways should help residents alter their polluting behaviors. This new civic obligation will protect restored rivers and encourage citywide efforts to make streets, parks, and neighborhoods cleaner and greener. Chattogram can serve as a model for the nation on how urban renewal can sustain a vibrant, pollution-free metropolis.
A green and blue economy, or a combination of both, could advance with the restoration of Chattogram’s neglected rivers and infrastructure, leading to sustainable growth that helps the local economy and nature. While the blue economy makes use of ocean and coastal resources to increase economic growth, job creation, and ecosystem health, greener economic practices lessen carbon footprints and the depletion of natural resources. Chattogram is in an advantageous position to leverage both the economic models for integrated development because of its canal network and seaside location. Restored waterways can lead to a more sustainable and greener urban atmosphere by lowering air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. This course will also contribute to the blue economy by promoting aquaculture and sustainable fishing practices. Healthy canals provide a thriving habitat for fish and aquatic creatures, benefiting local fisheries and aquaculture. Ecotourism activities, such as riverboat tours, cultural water festivals, and nature strolling paths along canal- side green spaces, can draw both local and international visitors, promoting cultural identity, generating revenue, and supporting conservation efforts.
The revitalization of Chattogram’s waterways offers a life-changing opportunity for the city-dwellers to address environmental, urban and economic issues while fostering sustainable development. Once essential to the city’s growth as a trading hub, these waterways have suffered from neglect, pollution and illegal encroachment over the years. Government initiatives, such as the 36-canal reclamation project, seek to rehabilitate these waterways, enhancing drainage, transportation, and the city’s resilience to climate change. Restoring 80 km of canals could unlock a wide range of benefits, from mitigating communal flooding to creating an alternative transportation mode that eases traffic congestion on the traditional setups. This revival also holds considerable promise for eco-tourism and aquatic activities, improving the city’s appeal and contributing to its economic growth.
The integration of sustainable water transport solutions could enhance connectivity, and provide new possibilities for local enterprises and job creation; reshaping the city’s tourism landscape, as a whole. Furthermore, this restoration will have a positive environmental influence by improving water quality, promoting biodiversity and engaging local populace in pollution control and environmental stewardship. Its consistency with both green and blue economy approaches, bolstering sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, while simultaneously lowering carbon footprints and enhancing urban sustainability. Through revitalization of waterways, this city has the potential to become a model for urban renewal, showcasing how urban development can coexist with ecological well- being. By adopting innovative solutions and collective will, Chattogram can turn its declining waterways into thriving lifelines once again-a true silver lining for generations to come.
The writer is the Project Director of Re-excavation, Renovation, Expansion and Development of Khals for Mitigating Waterlogging Problems in Chattogram City. Email: [email protected]
Messenger/EHM
