Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) faces severe challenges from rapid urbanization, climate change, and inadequate stormwater management, resulting in frequent waterlogging and urban flooding. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) initiated the Strengthening Capacity for Livable and Resilient Cities project to support DNCC in developing strategic interventions for drainage, sanitation, and solid waste management. 

Streams Tech Ltd. was responsible for designing strategic interventions for stormwater infrastructure in Zones 2, 3, 6, and 10 of DNCC. The project aimed to enhance climate resilience, improve environmental conditions, and elevate urban livability through integrated planning and infrastructure development. 

Data Collection and Analysis 

• Collected and analyzed hydrologic and hydraulic data from DNCC and public sources. 
• Simulated hydraulic models to identify waterlogging hotspots.

Review of Existing Frameworks

• Reviewed prior studies, projects, and regulatory frameworks. 
• Analyzed key documents such as the Bangladesh Climate Change Strategy and Dhaka Drainage Master Plan to inform interventions. 

Stakeholder Engagement 

• Conducted Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) with DNCC officials and stakeholders. 
• Organized workshops on waterlogging issues to refine strategies. 

Stormwater Drainage Modeling

• Developed catchment-wide geospatial stormwater models to understand drainage behavior across Zones 2, 3, 6, and 10.
• Simulated hydraulic models to identify flood-prone areas, drainage congestion points, and climate change vulnerabilities.
• Conducted scenario planning to evaluate mitigation measures for flood inundation, waterlogging, and drainage congestion.
• Optimized drainage networks by testing alternative configurations and interventions to improve conveyance capacity and resilience.
• Integrated modeling outputs into strategic recommendations, ensuring data-driven planning for DNCC’s stormwater infrastructure.

Sectoral Assessment and Strategy Formulation 

• Established baseline conditions for drainage networks, waterbodies, and water quality. 
• Developed strategic recommendations combining structural and non-structural measures. 

Proposed Strategic Interventions 

1. Structural Interventions

• Connect and Maintain Major Channels – Dredging, cleaning, and restoring canals (e.g., Baunia Khal, Rupnagar Khal, Mohakhali Khal, Abdullahpur Khal, Sutibhola Khal) to improve conveyance and reduce flooding. 
• Preserve and Restore Lakes and Waterbodies – Transforming Mirpur Lake, Satarkul Lake, and Pallabi Lake into multifunctional areas for flood management, recreation, and ecological restoration. 
• Reduce Waterlogging and Improve Water Quality – Installing sluice gates, bioretention ponds, and retention basins to capture runoff and naturally treat polluted water.

2. Non-Structural Interventions 

• Institutional Strengthening – Enhancing DNCC’s planning, operation, and maintenance capacity. 
• Policy Enforcement – Protecting drainage infrastructure through stricter land-use and zoning regulations. 
• Community Engagement – Awareness campaigns on waste disposal and drainage maintenance. 
• Capacity Building – Training DNCC staff in GIS, hydraulic modeling, and modern stormwater management techniques. 
• Institutional Strengthening – Enhancing DNCC’s planning, operation, and maintenance capacity. 
• Policy Enforcement – Protecting drainage infrastructure through stricter land-use and zoning regulations. 
• Community Engagement – Awareness campaigns on waste disposal and drainage maintenance. 
• Capacity Building – Training DNCC staff in GIS, hydraulic modeling, and modern stormwater management techniques. 

Zone-Specific Recommendations 

• Zone 2: Restoration of existing three major canals; protection of lakes; waterborne transport connectivity. 
• Zone 3: Restoration of the main canal; bioretention ponds. 
• Zone 6: Restoration of the main canal; transformation of Mirpur Lake into a recreational and ecological hub; retention ponds. 
• Zone 10: Restoration of the major canals; integrated development and restoration of Satarkul Lake; installation of sluice gates

• Comprehensive stormwater drainage assessment for Zones 2, 3, 6, and 10. 
• Hydraulic models identifying flood-prone areas. 
• Strategic intervention plan with structural and non-structural measures. 
• Investment plan for DNCC. 
• Stakeholder consultation reports and workshop proceedings.