Ctg's waterlogging a man-made crisis: Adviser Fouzul

Chattogram's persistent waterlogging is not a natural disaster but a completely man-made crisis, Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan said today (13 May).

Speaking at a public gathering after inspecting the canal excavation and cleaning work at Birjakhali canal this afternoon, the adviser placed direct blame on previous city authorities for failing to prevent the crisis.

"Those who were once mayors and Chattogram Development Authority [CDA] chairmen are responsible for the current waterlogging in the city," Fouzul said.

The adviser pointed out that canals across the city were illegally occupied over the years to build houses, offices, and markets. "Since assuming my responsibilities, we've started demolishing these encroachments and restoring the canals. We want to work unitedly, with everyone's cooperation, to resolve this issue."

He emphasised that while canal excavation is ongoing, the more pressing challenge is keeping the canals clean afterward. "After the canals are cleaned, garbage is again dumped into them. That completely nullifies the effort."

Fouzul said to combat this, the government has distributed around 10,000 waste bins across the city. "We've instructed the divisional commissioner to take legal action if garbage is not disposed of properly in designated bins.

"These bins must be treated as community assets. If a bin goes missing, the responsible area will face a fine," he added.

Reiterating the government's commitment, the adviser said, "We will do whatever is necessary to eliminate waterlogging in Chattogram. Anyone willing to work is being given the opportunity to contribute."

Jamaat-e-Islami Chattogram Metropolitan organised the community event as part of their self-funded initiative to excavate and clean the Birjakhali canal.

The event was presided over by Jamaat-e-Islami's central working committee member and former MP Shahjahan Chowdhury. Chattogram City Corporation Mayor Dr Shahadat Hossain, who was present as the chief speaker, echoed the call for collective action.

In his speech, Shahjahan Chowdhury expressed optimism, noting that the advisor's visit within just 24 days of the initiative's launch had significantly encouraged activists and volunteers.

"This canal is 3,000 feet long. So far, we've completed work on 1,800 feet, and we hope to finish the remaining part before Eid-ul-Adha, Insha'Allah," he said.

He also urged local residents to continue cooperating with cleanliness efforts.