Dhaka’s Kutubkhali Canal is facing a severe crisis due to widespread encroachment and pollution. Illegal structures, including shops and homes, have been built along its banks, while construction waste is routinely dumped into the waterway. The canal is heavily clogged with plastic, polythene bags, and household garbage, creating a thick layer of filth on the water’s surface. This pollution is causing a strong, unpleasant odor and raising concerns about the canal’s long-term viability. The situation highlights a critical environmental issue in Dhaka, threatening the canal’s ecological health and potential functionality. Authorities have yet to implement effective measures to address the ongoing degradation.
