9th International Conference on Urban Drainage Modelling

Belgrade 2012

Historical Development of Hydroinformatics Tools in

Bangladesh and Challenges and state-of-the-art in Urban
Drainage Modelling
1

David M. Khan ; S. M. Mahbubur Rahman

Associate Specialist, Institute of Water Modelling (IWM), House#496, Road#32, New DOHS,
Mohakhali, Dhaka-1206, Bangladesh, mail: dmk@iwmbd.org, Web: www.iwmbd.org
2
Director, Water Resources Planning Division, Institute of Water Modelling (IWM), House#496,
Road#32, New DOHS, Mohakhali, Dhaka-1206, Bangladesh, mail: smr@iwmbd.org

EXTENDED ABSTRACT
Hydroinformatics has become a major discipline for water resources professionals
worldwide. In the last few decades it has developed immensely and had profound influence
on how these professionals practice engineering. It helped building the bridge between
engineers and non-engineering experts. Development activities are not only considered for
economic viability, but now it is also possible to take into account multi-sectoral
considerations to make projects sustainable.
Modelling activities in Bangladesh was first carried out in late 1970s to early 1980s, when
numerical models were first applied to countrys two sea ports, Chittagong and Chalna
(now moved to Mongla). In the projects studies were carried out on river hydraulics,
morphology, river training, dredging and navigation with the modelling technology.
Later in 1986, Surface Water Simulation Modelling Programme (SWSMP) under Master
Plan Organisation (MPO) began mathematical modelling in the water planning process for
the effective control and utilisation of water resources in Bangladesh. The SWSMP was
carried out in three phases. In the phase-I programme, the System 11 modelling system by
DHI was used to study development scenarios, compare the performance of various modes
of development and determine the main characteristics of water development. The SWSMP
project document described the South-East Region of Bangladesh as a pilot area for
development of hydraulic simulation capabilities, with particular reference to many finished
and ongoing projects. In addition, a General Model for the major river system of
Bangladesh was also developed by a joint team of MPO and BUET professionals.
SWSMP-II commenced in December 1989 and completed its four year programme in
November 1993. The need for model development in Bangladesh was given added impetus
following two consecutive disastrous floods in 1987 and 1988. The implementation of
Flood Action Plan (FAP) under the Flood Plan Coordination Organisation (FPCO)
reinforced this need. By the end of SWSMP-II, four new Regional Models were developed
and only a small section of the country remained outside these models. SWSMP-III
commenced from January 1994 for a further three year period until December 1996, in
which the remaining part was modelled and also witnessed the introduction of new
modelling technologies: water quality models, two dimensional coastal and river models,
and an advanced hydrological and ground water models.
The first urban drainage model in Bangladesh was developed in 1997 for Dhaka City,
capital of the country. Dhaka has serious problems related to urban flooding and water
1

9th International Conference on Urban Drainage Modelling

Belgrade 2012

logging. The situation was highlighted in September 1996 when residences experienced
ankle to knee deep water on the streets throughout the City. A study was initiated in which
a combined approach of physically based modelling and GIS analysis was carried out. The
urban drainage system was structured by MOUSE for the basis of two networks, one
simulating the free-surface flow over the streets and one for the sewer pipe system.
In recent years urban drainage models are utilized to assess climate change impact and to
device adaptation options. The urban drainage model developed for Khulna, third largest
city of Bangladesh, was used to strengthen the resilience of drainage system for climate
change conditions in 2050. Using the model it was possible to develop socio-economic as
well as climate change scenarios for the future and take into account economic, social and
public health impact of the changed conditions based on which the adaptation measures
were developed.
Urban drainage modelling has also evolved with the evolution and development
Hydroinformatics. Models are getting better reflecting the real flood conditions even in fine
resolution. The traditional 1D models are now getting coupled with 2D models which
enables more realistic analysis of overland flows. The 1st generation models which started
solving simple equations has moved on to 4th generations models which can be used to
integrate urban drainage models with tools to provide decisions based economical,
environmental, ecological, socials considerations. While technology has advanced in urban
drainage modelling, there still exists the problem with lack of flood data, accurate definition
of rainfall inputs, understanding of uncertainties involved in applying flood model, limited
experience with real time flood forecast models, which are some of the challenges facing
the discipline.
References
1. Danida Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Demark, Project Completion Report: Surface Water
Simulation Modelling Programme (SWSMP), Bangladesh, 1997.
2. Apirumanekul, C., Mark, O., Modelling of Urban Flooding in Dhaka City, Proceedings
4th DHI Software Conference; 101-8, 2001.
3. Asian Developement Bank, Adapting to Climate Change: Strengthening the Climate
Resilience of the Water Sector Infrastructure In Khulna, Bangladesh; 278-8, 2011.