Dhaka, May 15 -- Dhaka is facing a mounting water crisis as rapid urbanisation, excessive dependence on groundwater and years of delays in major infrastructure projects continue to strain the capital's fragile supply system.

Dhaka's rivers, lakes and canals are shrinking rapidly due to unchecked urbanisation and encroachment.

According to Dhaka's 2010 area plan, the capital had around 5,523 acres of surface water bodies, but a 2017 RAJUK study found that only about 30 percent of those areas remained within seven years.

Experts say pollution has also worsened significantly, while a study conducted by WASA in 2018 found contamination levels in the city's rivers so severe that the water can no longer be treated for human consumption.

Exp...