A vast area of Chattogram is going under the tidal water almost regularly. The rise in sea level resists the release of water to rivers running to the sea. The Port city is facing the spectacular problem because the city canals are not working properly. Furthermore lack of dredging of rivers and canals and absence of sluice gate at most canals have left the city vulnerable to sea water to worsen waterlogging situation. It needs a special plan to save the city.
The rainfalls in monsoon leave most city blocks and business districts inundated submerging ground floor of buildings and disrupting communication. People become helpless in this situation. One can’t lose sight to the fact that it is the lack of proper planning and leadership of the City Corporation officials who have so far failed over the years to develop a comprehensive drainage and sewerage system. They have failed to take into account that the city and its outskirts are surrounded by hills which blocks quick discharge of rainwater. Besides, tidal surge regularly inundated low-lying areas to add to people’s constant miseries.
The Chattogram City Corporation has huge annual budget but most money for drainage projects is allegedly being misused and grabbed by City Corporation officials, Commissioners and Contractors who are always busy to launder money instead of running any project properly.
To save the Port city from waterlogging and similar environmental crisis, more far-reaching plans and dedicated leadership are needed. There is no doubt, high tech equipment is essential for dredging rivers and canals but it is not the technology but the leadership that matters.
Not only the city, over 900 coastal villages in Chattogram district are suffering from water logging in a regular basis during monsoon and the rise in sea level is blamed for blocking quick disposal of water to rivers. In this situation, the government must take immediate steps to save Chattogram.
