Dhaka: Though it looks to be a daunting task to recover the capital's 43 lost canals and many other wetlands to restore its natural drainage network, green activists think well-thought-out plans, government's strong political commitment, enforcement of law and engagement of army can help reclaim those effectively.

Talking to news agency UNB, noted environment experts Dr Atiq Rahman, chief executive of Bangladesh Environment Lawyers' Association (Bela) Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Poribesh Bachao Andolan (Poba) chairman Abu Naser Khan, Bangladesh Paribesh Andolon (Bapa) general secretary MA Matin and its joint secretary and architect Iqbal Habib also said the two Dhaka mayors, as the elected representatives of the city dwellers, should play the lead role in reclaiming the grabbed canals and thus get rid of waterlogging.

They also said a social movement against the grabbers of canals, water bodies and rivers is also necessary to protect the city and its environment.

According to sources at Dhaka Wasa, the number of city canals now has come down to 43, though there were 65 canals in its map 30-40 years back.

"First, we need to make a proper map of the city canals and fix their exact numbers through a government gazette. Then, we'll have to identify the occupied parts of the canals and the encroachers to take action," said Dr Atiq Rahman.

He said the government in coordination with two city corporations, Rajuk and other agencies, including law enforcement ones, work out an effective plan to evict the grabbers in phases.

Rizwana Hasan said, "Canals should be considered as a legal entity. At least two-thirds of the city's canals still can be restored if only the government high-ups move ahead with a good will and strong political commitment."

She also said the drive for recovering canals must be conducted without any discrimination to make it a success. "If anyone is spared for any political or any other identity, no such drive will be successful."

Abu Naser Khan said canals and water bodies of the city should be recovered not only for getting rid of waterlogging, but also for ensuring the natural balance of the city and protecting its environment keeping pace with the development and urbanisation spree.

He said, "The government's political will, enforcement of law, proper plan and necessary fund are a must to free the canals and water bodies from encroachment."

Like Dhaka, Naser said, many canals of Seoul, the capital of South Korea, were filled up and made flyovers, roads and multistory buildings 20-30 years ago. "But, the authorities there have started dismantling the structures to revive the canals. So, the recovery of the Dhaka city's canals is still possible like Seoul."

Apart from reclaiming the canals, he said, the open spaces of the city should be brought under the coverage of greenery through massive plantations of tress which can contain substantial amount of rainwater, helping reduce water stagnation.

Abul Matin said, "Reclaiming the canals and water bodies is just a matter of government decision. The Rangs Bhaban was demolished only because of the government's strong will to do so."

Matin said the army, after the 1/11 changeover, freed the Nagar River in Rangpur and the Mofhumati River in Faridpur from encroachment. "The government can engage army to recover the canals as the administrative officials and law enforcers usually succumb to the influence and power of the grabbers.

The Bapa general secretary also said the detailed area plan (DAP) of Dhaka city should be implemented immediately to recover the canals wetlands from land grabbers. "A new law should also be enacted to take stern punitive action against the land grabbers."

Iqbal Habib said a comprehensive and coordinated plan will have to be worked out involving two city corporations, Dhaka Wasa, Land and Public Works Ministries and Water Development Board to recover the canals and water bodies. "There should have a specific timeframe to successfully complete the drive."

"As they're the elected representatives of the city dwellers, the two mayors are more responsible for reclaiming the canals than any other ministry and government agency. The government has already given them the status of ministers to empower them. So, they should act now properly," he added.