City Submerged After Excess Rainfall; Three-Point Solution Proposed

Published : Tuesday, 28 April, 2026 at 7:30 PM Count : 19

Severe waterlogging has disrupted normal life across the port city of Chattogram after heavy rainfall exceeded the levels anticipated in the city’s drainage project design, exposing significant shortcomings in the system.

According to the Meteorological Department, most low-lying areas—including roads, playgrounds, educational institutions and residential neighbourhoods—are expected to remain inundated. Only elevated areas such as Court Building, DC Bungalow, CDA Chairman’s Bungalow, Ispahani Bungalow, AK Khan Hill, Jilapi Hill, CRB, Anderkilla General Hospital, Chattogram Club, Circuit House, Forest Research Institute, Forest College, Beverly Hill, North Khulshi Residential Area, Hill View and Paharika Residential Area have largely remained unaffected.

Warning Signal No. 3 remains in force. The weather office said the situation could improve within the next 24 hours if rainfall subsides. Authorities have advised residents to avoid unnecessary travel and to take precautions during emergencies, including the use of life jackets where necessary. Residents are also encouraged to use GPS for safer navigation, elevate household furniture using bricks, and move ground-floor belongings to higher places to minimise damage.

Observers say the current crisis cannot be attributed directly to Chattogram City Corporation Mayor Dr Shahadat Hossain. Instead, they identify the incomplete drainage project as the primary cause. While a substantial portion of the work was completed in previous years, approximately 20 percent remains unfinished. The Bangladesh Army is currently working to accelerate the project’s completion, although several on-ground challenges continue to hinder progress.

Experts and analysts have proposed a three-point plan to address the issue in the long term. First, residents must refrain from dumping waste into canals and drains, a major cause of blockages. Second, the City Corporation, under the direct supervision of the Army, should conduct mandatory dredging of canals at least twice a year using dredgers, accompanied by detailed reporting and strict monitoring. Third, durable iron grilles or covers should be installed over canals to prevent waste accumulation and reduce accident risks, with provisions to open them only during dredging operations. Oversight by the Army has also been recommended to ensure construction quality and adherence to standards.

Experts believe that strict implementation of these measures could significantly reduce waterlogging in Chattogram. With the ongoing drainage project expected to be completed next year, residents remain hopeful that the city will finally overcome this persistent problem.

FP/MI