Heavy rain leaves Rangpur city waterlogged
Several roads and low-lying areas in Rangpur city went under water after hours of rainfall on Friday morning, causing suffering for residents and exposing the poor state of the city’s drainage system.
According to the local Met office, 135 millimetres of rainfall was recorded in the city between dawn and 11:00am.
The heavy downpour submerged roads in least 20 areas, including Khamar Mor, Babukha, Masterpara, Weather Office area, Chartala Mor Colony, Lalbagh, Park Mor, Medical Campus, Station area, Lalbagh Road and Darshana, in knee-deep water, reports UNB.
It also triggered waterlogging in around 50 low-lying neighbourhoods, including Tatipara, Neelkantha Sotapir and Shantibagh.
During visits to different areas, knee-deep water was found in many areas, while overflowing drains spread foul-smelling dirty water across streets, making movement difficult for commuters.
In several areas, water entered homes, with some residents reporting flooded bedrooms.
They blamed unplanned urban development and inadequate drainage infrastructure for the recurring crisis.
The residents alleged that the Rangpur City Corporation constructed roads and drains in an unplanned manner in many areas, while some neighbourhoods still lack any proper drainage system.
Existing drains are also not cleaned or maintained regularly, causing blockages and prolonged waterlogging even after moderate rainfall.
Locals also expressed frustration over the deteriorating condition of the Shyamasundari Canal, often referred to as the “lungs of Rangpur city.”
Although canal renovation work began recently following long-standing public demands, residents alleged widespread irregularities and corruption in the project, forcing locals to halt the work.
They said poor drainage through the canal has worsened waterlogging in low-lying parts of the city.
Fazlar Rahman, a resident of Neelkantha Sotapir area, said there is no proper drainage system in the locality.
“Even light rain causes waterlogging here. Roads become unusable and water enters homes, making life miserable,” he said.
