Ctg waterlogging on rise despite finishing 72pc work of four projects

CHATTOGRAM, Aug 22 (BSS): Waterlogging has been increasing every year in the port-city despite completion of 72 per cent work of four projects, taken at a cost of Tk 143.90 billion to resolve the long persisting waterlogging problem.
Among these, the largest project of the Chattogram Development Authority (CDA), taken in co-operation with the army's 34th Engineer Construction Brigade, was digging 36 canals, at a cost of Tk 56.16 billion. The project cost has increased by Tk 31 billion after its revision in November.
Apart from this, the Water Development Board (WDB) has been spending Tk 16.20 billion on Chattogram City Flood Control, Water Submergence/Water logging Relief and Drainage Development' Project.
Incessant rains have caused flooding in defferent parts of the port city once again. Heavy rains have caused water logging in large areas of the city and upazilas, resulting in traffic jam in some areas.
Due to heavy rain, Water logging occurs in various parts of the city including Newmarket, Panchlaish, Katalganj, Chawkbazar, Muradpur, Shulakbahar, Gate No. 2, Baklia and Agrabad have been submerged under water.
Shops, businesses establishments and homes in the city are submerged in waist-deep water due to heavy rains. The people of the city suffered it greatly.
The Met office sources said the active seasonal winds in the area have led to persistent rain in the city since Aug 16. It has rained continuously since Wednesday evening and the rain only intensified on Thursday morning.
The sources added a warning has been issued for heavy rains and created panic of landslides in Chattogram and nearby areas, "However, there is no warning at the sea port as there are no stormy winds."
Various areas of the Fatikchari and Raozan Upazilas of the district have been flooded since Wednesday afternoon due to continuous rain.
At least 1.0 million people in 34 unions of these upazilas have become watertight. Considering the flood situation, 239 shelter homes and 290 medical teams have been kept ready.
Dr Mohammad Ilias Chowdhury, the district's Civil Surgeon, has ordered to prepare a total of 290 medical teams from each union, Upazila and Sadar hospital to deal with the situation amid risks of landslides, inundation and floods.
District Administration Assistant Commissioner Md. Fahmin Nabi said considering the flood situation, 50 tonnes of rice has already been allocated on Thursday for the flood affected people.
He also said there are enough stocks (medicines, saline, food saline, water purification tablets, etc.) to deal with disasters.
Patenga Meteorological Office in Chattogram said 158.8 millimeters of rain has fallen in the last 24 hours till 3 pm on Thursday. Meanwhile, the Meteorological Department has warned of heavy rainfall in Chattogram division under the influence of active monsoon.
District Civil Surgeon office control room number-02333354843 will be open round the clock for any information-consultation. The Civil Surgeon specifically requested to take necessary initiatives in public interest to deal with the situation.