Water-logging in city flyovers

The recent newspaper photograph of a stretch on a Dhaka flyover lying waterlogged is disturbing. Even the pathological pessimists could not have thought of this turn of the city's water-logging. But reality is too grim in Dhaka nowadays. Now vehicles speeding along the flyovers could possibly be seen negotiating pot-holes and other water-logging hindrances created by rainwater in the otherwise finely carpeted flyovers.

Unexpectedly excessive rain might create isolated puddles on a flyover. In properly constructed elevated roads these small pools do not last long. But the case of Dhaka is different. The city is notorious for persistent water-logging during rains. Rainwater in the city collects even in many unlikely places. There lies the fear. This menace should not be allowed to plague the flyovers. Then there are the repeated allegations of sloppy construction and poor maintenance. Water-logging in these prestige structures should be avoided at any cost.

Nuruzzaman Chowdhury

Banani, Dhaka