Reviving Damodar Canal: Integrating Heritage, Craft and Tourism for Sustainable Urban Regeneration in Pirojpur, Bangladesh

Abstract

 Water-based landscapes have historically shaped the morphology, economy and cultural identity of settlements in Bangladesh. The Damodar Canal in Pirojpur represents one such socio-ecological system that once functioned as a vital cultural and economic corridor. However, rapid urban transformation, environmental degradation and infrastructural neglect have led to the erosion of its historical identity and functional relevance. This study proposes a design-led framework for revitalizing the canal through the integration of cultural heritage conservation and community-based tourism development along with reviving the canal edge. Adopting a multi-scalar methodology, the research combines spatial analysis, contextual evaluation and urban design interventions at different levels. The research was conducted as part of a studio project in collaboration with the Urban and Regional Planning Department (UDD).The focus is placed on a critical 2 km stretch of the canal between the Baleshwar and Kocha rivers, chosen for its urban concentration.  Key proposals include the development of a continuous heritage trail, rehabilitation of craft-based communities, riverfront activation near Baleswar river  and the introduction of public amenities. Drawing upon contemporary theories of water urbanism and nature-based solutions, the study positions the canal as a dynamic cultural landscape capable of supporting environmental resilience and local economic growth. The findings demonstrate that heritage-led regeneration can serve as an effective strategy for revitalizing water-centric development in secondary cities of Bangladesh, offering a replicable model for similar riverine contexts.