Selection of the optimal alternative: rehabilitation of a regional drainage channel in Bangladesh

Abstract

Due to the dynamic inter-relationship between human society and water resources, decision-making is a tricky task in water management sectors. In this study, multi-criteria analysis has been used as a decision support tool for the selection of a sustainable option in a regional channel improvement in Bangladesh. The Malnichara channel flows across the north-eastern divisional city of the country, and is responsible for storm water conveyance to the downstream Surma River. The channel was observed to be at risk due to anthropogenic activities such as encroachment, sewage and solid waste disposal and the filling up of natural depression basins. Using the multi-criteria analysis, three alternatives for channel improvement (sodding natural channel, lined natural channel and concrete box culvert) were evaluated with respect to ten indicators, grouped into four sustainability criteria (technical, economic, environmental and social). Sodding natural channel was found to be the optimal alternative, though the selection was sensitive to social criteria. Such a straightforward tool can efficiently be used to ensure sustainability of the channel through stakeholders' involvement in decision-making.

Keywords:

• decision support
• multi-criteria analysis
• sustainability
• Malnichara channel
• stakeholders

Acknowledgement

Technical supports from the Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (located in the study area) and the reviewer's comments are greatly acknowledged.