Heavy rain and tidal surges flood Chattogram; experts blame project delays

Chattogram city was submerged under knee-to-waist-deep water yesterday as heavy rainfall and tidal surges crippled transportation and caused widespread public suffering. The Patenga Meteorological Office recorded 189mm of rainfall in the 24 hours leading up to 9:00 AM, with a significant portion falling in just three hours, indicating an intense downpour.

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I stepped outside this morning and found the roads submerged, the same nightmare we had faced for three straight days earlier in July.

Forecasting officials predict the rain may continue for another two to three days due to low pressure and an active monsoon, exacerbating the existing waterlogging. Major commercial and residential areas, including Katalganj, Bakalia, and Agrabad, were heavily affected. The situation was worsened by a gas shortage, which kept many CNG-run auto-rickshaws off the roads, leaving commuters and students struggling to find transport.

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Every monsoon brings the same misery, yet there is no permanent solution in sight.

Residents expressed frustration over the recurring misery, with many stating that the monsoon brings the same problems year after year without any permanent solution in sight. Shops in areas like Chawk Super Market reported significant damage to goods due to water entering their premises. The continuous flooding highlights a systemic issue that impacts daily life and economic activity in the city.

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All my goods have been damaged.

Urban planners and experts point to significant delays, planning shortcomings, and stalled construction in four major drainage and flood-control projects, collectively valued at over Tk 14,000 crore, as the primary reasons for the persistent waterlogging. Projects implemented by the Chattogram Development Authority (CDA), Bangladesh Water Development Board (WDB), and Chattogram City Corporation (CCC) have all missed their original deadlines. While one CDA project, aimed at renovating canals, is reportedly 95% complete, it has been suspended since April, with only a small amount of work remaining. Experts, however, caution that these projects may not adequately consider Chattogram's unique geographical characteristics, raising concerns about their long-term effectiveness.

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The projects are being implemented by the Chattogram Development Authority (CDA), Bangladesh Water Development Board (WDB) and Chattogram City Corporation (CCC), but none has met its original completion deadline.