Recently, we highlighted how flooding in Dhaka has become a regular occurrence during the monsoon season. However, this issue is not the only predictable event during the rainy season. Open drains also pose a significant problem in cities like Dhaka, Gazipur, and Chattogram, leading to injuries and fatalities, particularly when heavy rains cause these drains to overflow and become hidden hazards. Ideally, cities should have effective drainage systems to prevent roads from being flooded and implement safety measures to mitigate the risks posed by exposed drains.
The absence of these basic precautions in many cities reflects a lack of responsibility and planning by the authorities. Tragically, last week, 32-year-old Faria Tasnim Jyoti lost her life after falling into an open drain along the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway in Gazipur. Faria had accidentally stepped into the uncovered drain while on her way to a nearby hospital, where she was seeking medical attention. Locals have rightfully criticized the Gazipur City Corporation (GCC) for failing to address this preventable tragedy.
Open drains and manholes are a common sight in Gazipur, with at least 25 drains and manholes left uncovered along a four-kilometer stretch from Board Bazar to Tongi’s Hossain Market. During rainfall, submerged manholes pose risks to pedestrians, especially at night, as covers are often stolen by miscreants for scrap metal. The lack of a comprehensive list of open drains and manholes by the GCC indicates a lack of urgency in tackling this hazard. Similarly, in Chattogram, another city plagued by open drains, the issue persists despite numerous complaints and media coverage. Just last month, a three-year-old child died after falling into an open roadside drain.
This cycle of tragedies must be broken. As the country experiences continuous heavy rainfall, it is imperative for all city corporations and municipalities to take immediate action. Every exposed drain and manhole must be secured promptly, and measures should be implemented to prevent cover theft. Authorities should compile lists of high-risk locations associated with drains and water bodies to streamline their efforts. Addressing the issue of waterlogging in heavily trafficked areas is also crucial to prevent further tragic incidents.