Irreparable loss has been caused due to the current flood situation in different parts of the country including Sylhet, Sunamganj and Habiganj. The excessive rainfall in Assam, Meghalaya, and Cherrapunji in India, and in Bangladesh, is responsible for this disastrous flood. Also, we are responsible for this situation as we recklessly destroyed our natural haors, rivers and other wetlands. Due to the lack of implementation of law, rivers, canals, and wetlands are subjected to encroachment around the country.  At the same time, due to the navigability crisis of our rivers, the water holding capacity of the rivers has been severely reduced. To protect the country and the people, there is no alternative but to conserve the natural waterbodies like haors, rivers, canals, and wetlands. This was stated by the speakers at a virtual discussion meeting titled "Flood Situation: Importance and Actions of Conservation of River-Canals-Waterbodies" organized by Work for a Better Bangladesh Trust at 3.30 pm on 23 June 2022.

The program was moderated by Naima Akter, Project Manager, Work for a Better Bangladesh Trust. speakers of the program were Secretary of Center for Urban Studies, Salma A. Safi; Professor of Urban and Regional Planning Department of Jahangirnagar University Dr. Akter Mahmud; Chief Urban Planner of Dhaka South City Corporation Md. Sirajul Islam, Chief Urban Planner of Dhaka North City Corporation Maksud Hashem, and Gaous Pearee, Director, WBB Trust.

Maqsood Hashem said moderate rainfall has a positive impact on agriculture and the environment. But the severity of the rain and flood has increased due to climate change. Due to population growth our land use has been changed. If development activities had not been implemented in the floodplain, the severity of the floods would not have been so fearful. It is necessary to ensure that the floodplain is not used in any kind of development activities through policies. It is not possible to get rid of flood or waterlogging and only by drainage management.

Md. Sirajul Islam said that Dhaka South City Corporation is working to restore the canals after taking charge of the canals in Dhaka in December 2020. Four canals- Jirani, Manda, Shampur and Kalunagar- have been restored. About ten thousand metric tons of garbage has been removed from these canals. Discussion is going on with RAJUK to ensure that there are no sewerage lines in the canal and to ensure septic tanks. Dhaka South City Corporation is working to restore the canal and create public spaces for the city dwellers.

“We need a national physical plan,” Salma A. Safi said in her discussion. It is essential to do an impact study before implementing any project. People need to be involved in the project because they know better about their area and needs. We need to focus on research and formulate and implement strong policies. Taking steps through adequate research and impact study we will be able to prevent harmful effects of unplanned urbanization and climate change.

Dr. Akter Mahmud said that with the change in land use, houses, roads, and other infrastructures are being built in the lowlands and agricultural lands. Roads are a big obstacle for us to get rid of flood water. Many benefit financially due to the implementation of the project but in the long run it harms public life and nature. Our urban areas are covered with a lot of concrete. It is necessary to build a green spaces.

Gaous Pearee said some of the unhealthy habits of people living in the city create waterlogging. Especially throwing away one time used plastic, polythene, plastic bottles, packets are a big cause of waterlogging. Schools can play a big role to play in teaching good habits from childhood. Due to the lack of implementation of law, rivers and waterbodies are being occupied all over the country. We must try to restore the dying rivers, canals, and waterbodies through law enforcement.