Manohar Canal of Chittagong, Bangladesh: Conceivable Methods to Rejuvenate a Historic Canal and Improve Waterfront Scenario

The sustainability of a community is precisely tied to the quality of life of the city. In enhancing a city's livability, the importance of canals has always been emphasized. Yet there has been a lack of awareness in Bangladesh as to how the canals will help boost people's social life and the urban environment. Many of these ignored channels also have historical value and are now slowly dwindling. Manohar Canal is such a canal that has been destroyed over the years and almost lost its course being invaded by the ever-growing Sadarghat area's urban jungle. While the canal front is mismanaged and inaccessible, given the local context, it can be converted into its glorified state and can be used as a means to enhance the urban life of the area. This study shows the canal's current physical condition and its adjacent area; describes the canal intrusion process; and shows Karnafully River’s waterfront scenery near Sadarghat jetty. It also offers potential solutions to restore the historic Manohar Canal ensuring the least harm to existing infrastructure and enhancement of the standard of living and encouraging smooth water flow that can mitigate water clogging of the Sadarghat area.