Dhaka’s Sewage Plants Show Wastewater Can Be Cleaner and Smarter

Dhaka is making quiet progress toward cleaner water and smarter wastewater systems. Only five days earlier, specialists made public information indicating that the city’s two primary sewage treatment facilities—Pagla and Dasherkandi—are currently processing more wastewater than they did in the past. Opened in 2023, the Dasherkandi plant manages around 20 to 25 percent of the city’s daily sewage, which amounts to 2 billion liters. That’s a big step for a city long troubled by pollution. Right now, about 70 percent of the city’s sewage is still flowing directly into rivers. But Dasherkandi is changing that. It treats up to 500 megalitres of sewage each day, helping to reduce the amount of harmful wastewater entering Dhaka’s waterways. The smaller Pagla plant in Narayanganj also offers hope—it has capacity to process 120 megalitres per day, although it’s currently using only around one-third of that capacity (about 40 megalitres/day). These improvements link to many parts of Bangladesh’s eco-friendly development. First, the success of these plants supports core infrastructure in transport and urban planning. Cleaner sewage means less blockages in drains and fewer sewer overflows during monsoon rains. That helps the roads, reduces traffic delays, and eases pressure on stormwater systems—benefiting commuters, public transit, and freight movement throughout the city. Next, there’s a growing role for ICT and engineering. Real-time monitoring sensors are now being explored to track sewage flows, plant performance, and treatment efficiency. This invites opportunities for startups, software developers, and engineers to design smarter control systems. Universities and technical institutes can use the plants as live labs for student projects in civil, environmental, and software engineering. The move also supports public health. With less untreated sewage flowing into rivers, waterborne diseases like cholera and diarrhea could become less common—especially in low-income communities near riverside. NGOs and healthtech groups are collaborating with city officials to collect data and develop early-warning systems for disease outbreaks. Waste treatment also links to energy and agritech. Treated and cleaned water can be reused for irrigation, cleaning roads, and other non-drinking needs. That saves freshwater and reduces demand on reservoirs. Sludge—the solid material from sewage—can be processed into biogas or nutrient-rich compost, supporting energy production and sustainable agriculture. Finally, this effort boosts the policy and environmental sectors. Successful treatment plants strengthen Bangladesh’s case for receiving climate funding and technical aid. With ongoing upgrades, authorities hope to expand sewage treatment coverage beyond the current 20–25 percent, aiming for cleaner canals and rivers across urban areas. Dhaka’s sewage treatment progress may not make headlines, but it’s hugely important. Cleaner water supports transport, public health, agriculture, energy, ICT, and smart-city goals. Through innovation and collaboration, the city is managing to process more of its waste, creating healthier communities and preparing its infrastructure for the future.