Clean-up drive on in Ctg city to curb waterlogging ahead of monsoon
Mayor Shahadat also issued a stern warning against illegal encroachments and the dumping of waste into canals.
The Chattogram City Corporation (CCC) today (21 April) launched a "crash programme" to mitigate the city's persistent waterlogging, beginning with an extensive drain and canal cleaning drive in Bakalia.
Mayor Shahadat Hossain inspected the clean-up drive, where he was seen personally removing waste from a drain, underscoring the urgency of the campaign.
During the visit, the mayor said coordinated efforts among service agencies last year helped reduce waterlogging in Chattogram by 50-60%.
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However, he expressed concern over the current condition of the drainage system, noting that many drains and canals remain clogged due to indiscriminate waste dumping.
"Despite repeated awareness campaigns, many people continue to dump waste indiscriminately," he said after reviewing conditions in several wards over the past few days.
With the monsoon approaching, the city corporation has prioritised low-lying and flood-prone areas, including South Bakalia, West Bakalia, Bohodarhat, Agrabad and Mohora. "Our goal is to ensure that no citizen remains waterclogged," the mayor said.
He stressed the need for greater civic responsibility, warning that a lasting solution to waterlogging is not possible without public participation.
Mayor Shahadat also issued a stern warning against illegal encroachments and the dumping of waste into canals. He stated that legal action will be taken against offenders to ensure the natural flow of the drainage system.
Addressing shopkeepers, he urged them to ensure that the fronts of their shops remain clean and free of unauthorised hawkers.
He further said that the city corporation has already distributed approximately 6,000 dustbins across the city. But many have been stolen or are not being used correctly adding that necessary steps would be taken to address the issue.
Officials of the city corporation said the cleaning drive will continue throughout the monsoon season to ease public suffering by reducing waterlogging in the city.
Every year, the monsoon brings with it the curse of waterlogging, causing indescribable suffering for the people of the port city, a problem that has persisted for the past two decades.
Many city roads and low-lying areas go under knee- to waist-deep water even after a short spell of rain.
