Creating inclusive and natural water synergies in Khulna urban region

Within Khulna city the project proposals for creating inclusive and natural water synergies in Khulna urban region included the following components:

Component 1 – Reducing flooding and water logging

• Rehabilitation and improvement of existing drainage network, including:
  - Rehabilitation and improvement of khals and drains which are directly connected to Mayur river.
  - Repairing of Alutola sluice structure.
  - Rehabilitation and reconstruction of cross culverts and 15 outfall structures on the Mayur.
  - Elevated embankments on both side of Mayur river and low-cost pumps at the end of each outfall so that water drains properly to Mayur river.
  - Removal of hyacinths and solid wastes from Mayur river to bring back Mayur to its natural course.
  - Undertake further studies to improve the drain connectivity inside the catchment area so that runoff water is drained properly to the bigger drains and consequently to the Mayur river.
   
• Two new bridges to be constructed on Mayur for people and light vehicles.

Component 2 – Optimizing storage: ponds and reservoirs

Under this component, three different development packages were developed for different categories of existing urban ponds of which around 120 were identified for treatment:

- Package 1 – Active management of government-owned ponds;
- Package 2 – Revitalizing and improving institution-owned ponds; and
- Package 3 – Increasing production of privately-owned ponds.

Component 3 – Sanitation and solid waste

The key goal of the sanitation and solid waste components of the project are to ensure the maximum benefit and long-term sustainability of drainage interventions. As well as contributing to reduced flooding and waterlogging, improved sanitation and solid waste management will result in improved public health and local environment.

Other local partners included: Khulna University of Engineering & Technology, Urban and Regional Planning (KUET-URP).