CCC Mayor seeks sustainable solution to waterlogging

The inspection found that drains and canals were being blocked by foam sheets, carton packaging, polythene, and other waste discarded by nearby automobile showrooms, electronics stores, and other commercial establishments. As a result, rainwater accumulated quickly, causing severe public sufferings, Chattogram City Corporation (CCC) Mayor Dr Shahadat Hossain said.

“Our goal is not only to drain the water but also to identify the root causes of waterlogging and ensure a permanent solution,” he said while visiting the Fire Service and Civil Defence office at Agrabad Chowmuhani and adjacent areas to inspect the causes of waterlogging following the recent heavy rainfall.

“We are inspecting the areas where water has accumulated following the record rainfall over the past seven days. We are investigating the actual causes on the ground,” the mayor said on Wednesday.

The mayor, accompanied by officials from the Chattogram Fire Service and Civil Defence, During the visit, the mayor instructed CCC Chief Conservancy Officer Captain Ikhtiar Uddin Ahmed Chowdhury and Chief Engineer Anisur Rahman to identify measures for a permanent solution to waterlogging in the area and begin work without delay.

He added that the causes of waterlogging in areas surrounding the Fire Service office and Wards 23 and 24 were being investigated. Preliminary findings suggest that accumulated waste in local canals, drains, and water channels has obstructed the natural flow of water, leading to waterlogging.

Dr Shahadat Hossain said the inspection found that drains and canals were being blocked by foam sheets, carton packaging, polythene, and other waste discarded by nearby automobile showrooms, electronics stores, and other commercial establishments. As a result, rainwater accumulated quickly, causing severe public suffering.

“If traders fail to manage their waste properly, strict legal action will be taken against them. If necessary, penalties, including fines and imprisonment under existing laws, will be imposed. For the sake of the city, everyone must act responsibly and help keep the environment clean,” he said.

The mayor also stressed that a permanent solution to waterlogging would not be possible without public cooperation. He urged residents not to dump waste into canals, drains, or water channels.

He said initiatives had already been taken to quickly clean key waterways, including Nasir Canal Chhara and Lalmia Canal Chhara, to ease waterlogging in the Dewanhat-Agrabad area. He expressed hope that restoring the normal flow of these canals and channels would significantly reduce waterlogging during the monsoon.

Officials from the Fire Service and Civil Defence, former councillor Niaz Mohammad Khan, women leader Fatema Badsha, senior CCC officials, and local political leaders were present during the inspection.