After years of grappling with waterlogging issues during monsoon seasons, residents of Chattogram find themselves attributing the situation mainly to natural factors, as suggested by officials from two key government entities tasked with enhancing the city’s livability. As per a report from Prothom Alo, the Chattogram Development Authority (CDA) and the Chattogram City Corporation (CCC) point to the intensity of rainfall, measuring 102 millimeters within a 24-hour period from midday on July 27 to midday on July 28, as the primary cause of the waterlogging woes that led to certain parts of the city being submerged in waist-high water for an extended period.
The failure of the authorities to effectively and promptly execute initiatives aimed at mitigating waterlogging concerns was somewhat overlooked. Allegedly, the CDA, CCC, and Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) have collectively dedicated nearly a decade and around Tk 10,000 crore to combat the waterlogging challenges in the port city. Despite these efforts, heavy rains continue to inundate streets and residences, resulting in damaged vehicles, disrupted businesses, halted traffic flow, and, at times, even loss of life due to hidden open drains submerged under rising waters. However, there seems to be a reluctance to acknowledge responsibility for these recurring issues.
The CCC initiated a project in 2014 to tackle the waterlogging crisis, initially set for completion by 2017, but remains unfinished after 11 years. Similarly, separate projects undertaken by the CDA and BWDB in 2017, with completion targets of 2020 and 2021 respectively, are still ongoing. Despite numerous meetings held over the past eight years to expedite progress, little improvement has been observed. Following the interim government’s intervention, authorities were instructed to finalize 27 out of the 39 necessary sluice gates by May 2025, yet only 25 have been constructed thus far. Moreover, the commencement of pump-houses in waterlogging-prone areas to drain excess water and prevent canal blockages resulting from hill cutting has been delayed. Despite this history of delays and neglect, responsible agencies persist in deflecting blame onto natural phenomena and occasionally each other.
It is imperative for public institutions in Bangladesh to acknowledge their accountability for failing to fulfill their mandates. Ad hoc canal cleaning or unclogging efforts are insufficient. If residents are indiscriminately disposing of waste, it is the duty of the city corporation to raise awareness and enforce penalties where necessary. Equally important is the need for authorities to curb unplanned urbanization and the encroachment of low-lying lands, refraining from utilizing such areas for development projects. Additionally, the approval of flawed megaprojects exacerbating the waterlogging situation must be halted. Unless these fundamental issues are addressed, Chattogram’s waterlogging crisis is likely to persist unresolved.