Pravartak More area to be free from waterlogging: Mayor
Pravartak More area and its surrounding localities will soon be free from waterlogging, said Chattogram City Corporation (CCC) Mayor Dr. Shahadat Hossain, referring to a permanent solution to the long-standing problem in the city.
He made the remarks while inspecting the Hijra Canal renovation project in the city’s Pravartak More area on Friday. During the visit, the mayor instructed the concerned authorities to complete the canal work as soon as possible.
The mayor said, “Although overall waterlogging in the city has reduced significantly during this year’s monsoon season, water was still accumulating in some areas.
I personally went into the water, cleaned the drains, and investigated the causes of the problem. That is when I realized that a permanent solution is needed, not a temporary one.”
He added that excavation, expansion, and renovation work on the Hijra Canal is underway as part of 36 canal excavation projects being carried out under the 34th Engineering Brigade of the army.
The canal originates from the Golpahar-Mehedibagh area and flows through Katalganj, Panchlaish, Dampara, Baklia, Chawkbazar, and Kapasgola before joining the Fultali-Chaktai Canal.
Due to long-term encroachment and unplanned construction, the canal had narrowed, leading to waterlogging.
“Although the original width of the canal is about 30 feet, it has been reduced to 12-15 feet in many places due to encroachment. This renovation work aims to restore the canal to its original width according to the RS, PS, and BS maps. For this, some structures will need to be partially removed, which is necessary in the greater public interest.”
Hijra Canal and Jamalkhan Canal are both crucial to resolving waterlogging in the city. Renovation work on the Jamalkhan Canal is also progressing simultaneously and is expected to be completed soon.
The mayor added that although residents may experience some inconvenience due to temporary waterlogging during the renovation, the City Corporation is taking necessary measures including installing pipes to ensure quick drainage of water.
