Residents of Kushtia town, especially students and low-income individuals, are enduring the hardships caused by a persistent waterlogging issue, further aggravated by an inadequate drainage system and encroachments along the canals. Photo: TDM
The picturesque city of Kushtia, known for its cultural heritage and academic excellence, is grappling with a persistent waterlogging issue that has been plaguing its roads during even the mildest of rain showers. The city's residents, especially students and low-income individuals, are bearing the brunt of this recurring problem, which is exacerbated by subpar drainage system and canal encroachments.
In various areas of Kushtia city, including College Mor, RAB Gali Arjun Das Agarwala Road, Kataikhana Mor, Courtpara, the road in front of Sadar Hospital, and Jamtala Mor, the roads have been transformed into knee-deep waterways, inconveniencing commuters and leading to constant suffering for the common people.
Local residents have voiced their frustration over the situation, emphasizing that even the slightest rainfall leads to substantial waterlogging. Despite the municipal authorities' efforts to construct canals, their flawed planning has rendered these efforts ineffective, leaving the city's populace to endure the consequences.
One of the primary causes of the issue is the clogging of drains with silt in certain areas, resulting in waterlogging even during minor rainfall. Moreover, waste from the blocked drains surfaces on the roads when it rains, compounding the problem. In severe downpours, the contaminated drain water even finds its way into homes adjacent to the roads.
Residents have vehemently called for immediate action to rectify the drainage system and demanded proper planning for drain construction. They argue that the current state of affairs is solely due to the indifference and faulty planning of the municipal authorities.
Mehdi Masud, a local businessman residing in the Bara Bazar area, expressed the hardships faced by traders when even a small amount of rainwater inundates business establishments. He lamented that not only businesses but also homes are affected by the negligence of municipal authorities.
Miraj Hossain, a Courtpara resident, pointed out that despite significant expenditure on drain repairs, water accumulates on the roads with minimal rainfall, causing suffering to the residents. He urged authorities to free the city's populace from this relentless ordeal.
Pedestrians, like Nazmul Islam, are particularly affected as water accumulates on the roads even during light rain, making it impossible to walk. Furthermore, rickshaw and autorickshaw drivers exploit the situation by charging exorbitant fares when navigating through flooded streets, leaving residents feeling financially burdened.
Nayan Ahmed, a student at Kushtia Government College, highlighted the inconvenience of having to wade through water-covered roads and called for the immediate cleaning and improvement of drainage systems to facilitate smoother mobility.
Rafiqul Alam Tuku, President of the Kushtia Conscious Citizens Committee, issued an urgent appeal to the municipal authorities to take effective measures to alleviate the city's waterlogging crisis.
Rabiul Islam, Executive Engineer of Kushtia Municipality, acknowledged the persistent waterlogging issue and attributed it to outdated drain planning. He also cited illegal encroachments at the canal mouths as a contributing factor. Assuring a swift resolution, he stated that proper planning and execution would relieve the city from this predicament within the next two to three months.
The residents of Kushtia remain hopeful that these promised actions will finally put an end to their enduring struggle against waterlogged streets and allow them to reclaim their city from the clutches of poor drainage.
Messenger/Disha
