ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the governance aspects of the five rivers surrounding Dhaka and evaluated the institutional set-up in light of the characteristics of good governance—that is, participation, accountability, equity, effectiveness, and coherence. It aims to identifying the strengths and weaknesses in the present governance regime of the rivers surrounding Dhaka city; and recommending an appropriate governance framework for the rivers considering the hydrology, ecology, environment and socio-political situation of the region. Different institutional arrangements including polycentric governance, public participation and bioregional perspective were also considered. The role of the judiciary and political and institutional leadership in protecting the rivers from deterioration were evaluated. There is a chronic shortage in the institutional capacity and resources of the public organizations. Encroachment narrows the river width, reduces the water flow, and disturbs the river morphology, flora and fauna. The views of individual industries regarding the relocation and pollution issues were also gathered.
