United News of Bangladesh

Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) has expressed concern over the filling of a water reservoir near the Airport Railway Station fearing a severe waterlogging in a vast area including Uttara Sectors 3 and 4 and a large area of the Civil Aviation during the upcoming monsoon. DNCC Administrator Mohammad Azaz expressed this concern while visiting the development works at the Ashkona Rail Gate adjacent to the Airport Railway Station and its surrounding areas on Monday. “We are apprehending a major waterlogging in the entire (DNCC) ward-50. The spot where we are standing now was a water reservoir. But it was filled due to the construction works of the three big mega projects,” he said. He said the railway authority and elevated expressway authority and all others filled the water reservoir. 5,500 volunteers to work with DNCC to curb mosquito menace: DNCC administrator "If there is no coordination (among the DNCC and the authorities concerned) and there is a heavy rain, the entire airport road will go underwater. There will be waterlogging in Uttara Sectors 3 and 4 and this entire place of the civil aviation,” said Mohammad Azaz. He said they came there to create water channels there for rain water so that the magnitude of waterlogging is not so high. The DNCC administrator hoped that the project authorities will restore the water reservoir as there are many KPIs including airport there. He said a water reservoir is filled during the implementation of a project, but later the project implementers forget that there was a water reservoir there and don’t restore it. Then they want make it a field or build a market or commercial establishments there, he said. In this context, he said Bangladesh Railway, Dhaka Elevated Expressway and Dhaka North City Corporation will work together to resolve waterlogging in the Airport-Ashkona area during the upcoming monsoon season. "As work on several mega projects is ongoing, we are afraid of severe waterlogging this year, so preparations are being made to drain the maximum water before the monsoon," he said. The DNCC administrator said that reservoirs are essential to mitigate major urban floods caused by climate change. Trade licences to be revoked if businesses occupy footpaths: DNCC Administrator He requested all concerned not to fill the reservoirs during the development project implementation. “If they do, they should restore reservoirs on completion of the project works,” he added. DNCC Chief Executive Officer Abu Sayeed Md Kamruzzaman, Chief Engineer Brig Gen Md Moin Uddin, among others, were present.

Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) Administrator Mohammad Ejaz has announced that environmental protection, public health preservation, and resolving the issue of waterlogging will be prioritized in the city corporation’s development initiatives under him. The newly-installed administrator held a views-exchange meeting with journalists at the DNCC hall room on Monday (February 17). Before the meeting, Mohammad Ejaz inaugurated a photo gallery titled “Immortal Memory of the July Uprising” at the entrance wall of Gulshan Nagar Bhaban’s ground floor. The gallery sequentially presents the events of the July Uprising through photographs. Mohammad Ejaz said, “Ensuring a livable city for Dhaka means maintaining a healthy environment, ensuring clean air, saving rivers and canals, and creating open spaces for children to play, and for people to walk and relax. Roads, drainage, water, and waste management systems must function efficiently.” “Initiatives have been taken to recover and excavate canals to alleviate waterlogging during the upcoming monsoon. Drainage system improvements will be coordinated with WASA and the Dhaka South City Corporation. DNCC’s development projects will prioritize democratic processes, involving local residents and stakeholders in decision-making. Special emphasis will be placed on ensuring fair civic services for marginalized communities,” he added. DNCC drive in Mirpur removes battery-powered rickshaws from main roads On the removal of illegal banners and posters, Ejaz stated, “Banners and posters will be removed from roads. PVC banners, which are extremely harmful to the environment, are strictly prohibited. The July Uprising graffiti on walls will be preserved, and fines will be imposed for placing posters or banners. DNCC will also remain free from political influence.” He also noted, “I have visited Uttarkhan after taking charge. Initiatives have been taken to establish a park, a playground, and a community complex by demarcating and evicting illegal structures at three locations. The park will be built beside the Teromukh Bridge, while a playground and a community complex will be constructed in Amaya and Kanchkura.” Administrator Ejaz announced the formation of three honorary advisory committees for DNCC operations: the Biodiversity Committee, the Diaspora Committee, and the General Committee. The meeting was also attended by Chief Executive Officer of DNCC Abu Sayeed Md. Kamruzzaman, Secretary Mohammad Masud Alam Siddique, Chief Engineer Brig. Gen. Md. Moin Uddin, Chief Health Officer Brig. Gen. Imrul Kayes Chowdhury, Chief Waste Management Officer Commodore ABM Shamsul Alam, and other officials.

Jashore’s Abhaynagar may fail to achieve the target of Aman production this year as crops on 1, 826 hectares of lands have been damaged due to waterlogging in Bhabadah Beel, leaving farmers worried. Though the upazila usually sees a bumper yield of transplanted Aman paddy every year, this year’s scenario is different. According to the upazila agriculture office, the target for Aman cultivation in eight unions and one municipality this season was set at 7,550 hectares—1,790 hectares of hybrid varieties, 5,825 hectares of high-yield varieties and 25 hectares of local varieties. But 7,640 hectares of lands were brought under Aman cultivation, an increase by 90 hectares compared to the target. The farmers and agriculture officials predict that the upazila will face a deficit of 9, 375 metric tonnes out of targeted 38020 metric tonnes this year. Last year, the Ropa Aman paddy was cultivated on 7, 550 hectares of land while this number stood at 5, 814 hectares, a decrease by 1, 736 hectares this year. All the Ropa Aman planted on 835 hectares of lands in Sundoli union were damaged. Read:Govt to procure 3.5 lakh MT Aman paddy at Tk 33 per kg Three hundred and ten hectares of lands out of 850 hectares have been damaged in Nawabganj union, 533 hectares out of 1, 154 in Prembag union, 60 out of 1,011 hectares in Chalishia union, 88 out of 605 hectares in Payra union. The highest 1,392 hectares of Ropa Aman were cultivated in Sreedharpur union. Besides, Bagutia, Shubharara and Siddhipasha unions have cultivated the paddy on 1,305 460 and 140 hectares of land this year. Ujjal Das, a farmer from Sundoli’s Arpara village, said he leased one acre of land in Shurirdanga Beel for transplanted Aman. However, the entire crop has been damaged by waterlogging. Echoing Ujjal, another farmer Rabiul Islam from Chalishia’s Kota village, said he planted Aman on two bighas in Chatra Beel, but all his crops have been destroyed. “We’re living in despair, with waterlogged yards and no yield. We need government compensation to survive,” he said. Abhaynagar Upazila Agriculture Officer Lovely Khatun blamed the waterlogging for the possible shortfall of the Aman paddy this year. “The government is working with utmost sincerity to resolve the waterlogging issue permanently. For areas where water may recede within 20–25 days, short-duration, high-yield BINA-14 paddy cultivation is being recommended. We’re also focusing on boosting vegetable production,” she said. Under the agricultural rehabilitation programme, 475 farmers are receiving high-yield vegetable seeds and a cash grant of Tk 1,000 each. Read more: 17, 359 MT rice, 7, 614 MT Aman paddy to be collected from Naogaon this season Efforts are also being made to prioritise boro paddy cultivation for the upcoming season, she added.

Around 15 lakh people in Fulhatla, Dumuria, and Aronghata’s Beel Dakatiya of Khulna have been stranded due to waterlogging for nearly two months. Repeated rainfall from August to October led to severe waterlogging in the absence of proper water drainage system, causing severe miseries. Locals said the people of this region are facing shortages of food and clean water and many have fallen sick with waterborne and skin diseases. In some areas, the situation is so dire that there is no space to bury the dead. Commuters suffer as rain causes waterlogging in Dhaka Dumuria Upazila Executive Officer (UNO) Muhammad Al-Amin said that the situation in Beel Dakatia was particularly severe this year. "We have prepared a proposal to address the waterlogging issue. We are not rushing into any decisions. We plan to take time, possibly 1-2 weeks, to gather opinions from water experts, environmental specialists, and academics from various universities. “ If necessary, we will bring in experts from Dhaka to work with us and then present the plan to the district administration, he added. The affected area spans parts of Fulhatla, Dumuria, Aronghata, and even parts of Jessore's Abhaynagar and Keshabpur Upazilas. This area encompasses 30,000 acres of cultivable land. Due to heavy rainfall and poor drainage system the land has remained submerged for almost two months. Fish farmers have also faced difficulties as silt has accumulated in the rivers, exacerbating the crisis. Due to waterlogging crops have been destroyed, income sources have been cut off, and the area is experiencing extreme food shortages. The demand for a permanent solution to the waterlogging problem is urgent for the trapped residents of this region. In an interview, Professor Mia Golam Parwar, secretary seneral of Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh and former MP for Khulna-5 constituency (Fulhatla and Dumuria), stressed the need for ending the problem. Water Resources secretary Nazmul Ahsan said the Ministry of Water Resources is eager to find a quick solution to alleviate the suffering of the people trapped in the floodwaters. “We aim to take local residents’ opinions and expert advice to come up with a new plan for a permanent solution."  

Heavy rainfall on Friday afternoon caused severe waterlogging in several parts of capital Dhaka, leading to immense suffering for commuters. Many were seen wading through waterlogged streets in areas such as Mouchak, Malibagh, Shantinagar, Moghbazar, Kakrail, Paltan, Dainik Bangla Intersection, Khilgaon Rail Gate, and Rajarbagh Police Lines as they tried to reach their destinations. Though today is a weekend, those who ventured out for emergency purposes found themselves stuck in severe traffic congestion in various parts of the city. Many were seen waiting for public transport for a long time. Read: DMP to commuters: Be aware of rain-triggered traffic jams The rainwater also seeped into some private vehicles and CNG-run autorickshaws plying the main roads, exacerbating the situation further. Taking advantage of the traffic congestion and waterlogged roads, rickshaw-pullers were reportedly charging higher fares from passengers. Kabir Hossain, a private service holder, shared his experience with UNB, stating that he had been waiting for a vehicle to go to the Dainik Bangla Intersection from Khilgaon Rail Gate for around half an hour, but no public transport was available. "The rickshaw-pullers are charging an extra fare compared to the usual one," he said. Read more: City dwellers suffer amid unusual traffic jams  The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has forecast rain or thundershowers across all divisions, including Dhaka, in the 24 hours beginning  from 9:00 am on Friday.

Waterlogging has become a never-ending problem for the residents of Horijon Polli in Chilmari upazila of Kurigram district, thanks to the lack of adequate measures of the local administration. Some 150 people of 30 families are going through untold suffering due to the waterlogging problem as the whole area has been submerged following the torrential rainfall and onrush of water from the upstream over the last week. Read more: Dhaka city corporations grapple with persistent waterlogging problem on multiple fronts During a recent visit to the Horijon Polli, at Sabujpara under Thanahat union, this correspondent found water all around and the residents of the area were seen fetching safe drinking water and food after wading through waist-deep water. Moni Lal, a local, said the whole area gets inundated even after little rain and residents of the area have been living in such a situation for the past one week. If the water increases further then they have to move to a safer place. Read more:Monsoon coming, no solution to Dhaka’s waterlogging in sight Besides, they did not receive any assistance from the authorities though eight days have passed, claimed the local people. Contacted, Rafiul Alam, Chilmari Upazila Nirbahi Officer, said a list is being prepared and the higher authorities concerned have been informed. Read more: Waterlogging turns severe in Chattogram after heavy rains for 3rd consecutive day

Residents of areas along the Teesta river in Aditmari upazila of Lalmonirhat district are living in fear of losing their homes and crops as erosion has taken a serious turn. Several thousand families living on the riverbanks were facing waterlogging issues due to the torrential rainfall last week. Several hundred hectares of cropland were damaged during this period. But when the floodwater started to recede, panic gripped them as erosion took a serious turn in seven to eight points along the left side of the river. Over the past few days, 25-30 houses, croplands and several establishments were washed away due to the erosion, forcing many families to live under the open sky. Rising river waters trigger flooding, erosion concerns in Kurigram Many have shifted their valuables including furniture on the roadside and near the flood protection dam. Meanwhile, residents of Gobordhan and Garibullatari villages under Mahishkhocha union of the upazila saw severe erosion at the dead night on Tuesday near the embankment. A number of establishments including a mosque have gone into the river. The families of Rabiul, Bhuttu and Yeakub Ali are living under the open sky as their homesteads were washed away due to the erosion. Locals said if the authorities do not take any steps immediately, the embankment would also go into the river. Villagers spend sleepless nights as Madhumati river banks erosion intensifies in Faridpur  They also demanded constructing a permanent dam along the riverbank. Sunil Kumar, executive engineer of Lalmonirhat Water Development Board, said erosion occurred in seven-eight points along the riverbanks while erosion at spur dam-2 took a serious turn. They have informed the matter to the high official concerned, he said. After visiting the affected areas, GR Sarwar, Upazila Nirbahi Officer of Aditmari upazila, said a list of affected people is being prepared and assistance will be provided as per the list. Teesta erosion worsens in Kurigram; 50 homes swept away

A one-year-old boy went missing after falling into a drain at Rangipara in Uttar Agrabad of Double Mooring area in Chattogram port city on Sunday. The victim was identified as Yeasin Arafat, son of Saddam Hossain of Agrabad area. Jalal Ahmed, duty officer of Chattogram Fire Service and Control room, said, Yeasin fell into the drain at 5 pm adjacent to KM Tower and went missing. On information, a team of Agrabad Fire service unit rushed to the spot and are conducting a rescue operation till the filing of this report at 7:30 pm. Besides, the low-lying areas of Chattogram port city have been inundated due to the torrential rains that swept through the city from Saturday night, causing immense sufferings to the city dwellers. Waterlogging turns severe in Chattogram after heavy rains for 3rd consecutive day The rain water also submerged the business establishments, schools, colleges, offices and houses in Halisohor, Agrabad CDA, Santibag Residential area, Chotopole, Bahaddarhat, Badurtala, Shulakbohor, Mohammadpur, Kapashgola, Chwkbazar, Bakiloa, Firingibazar, Katalganj, KB Aman Ali, Chandgaon’s Shamser Para, Faridar Para, Pathainnagoda, Munshipukur Par and Muradpur areas. All the roads and alleys were submerged by the rain water, forcing the authorities concerned to delay the HSC examination for one hour. Heavy rain triggers severe waterlogging in Ctg for 4 days Ujjal Kanti Pal, assistant meteorologist of Patenga Weather Observatory Centre, said the Met office has recorded 130.8 mm of rainfall in the past 24 hours till Sunday noon. Monsoon coming, no solution to Dhaka’s waterlogging in sight Earlier on August 7, a college student identified as Nipa, 19, died after falling into a drain at Badamtala in the port city.  

Major areas of Chattogam port city have been inundated after torrential rains for the 3rd consecutive day on Sunday, disrupting public life like the previous years. The rains started on Friday and continued till filing of this report on Sunday afternoon. Patenga Weather Observatory Centre recorded 218 mm of rainfall in 24 hours till 9 am on Sunday.Bus services have been suspended on most of the routes, forcing the residents to commute on rickshaws, auto-rickshaws, vans and three-wheelers. In some areas people were seen wading through knee to waist-deep water in the morning. The waterlogged areas include Chwakbazar, Dewan Bazar, Khalifa Patti, Muradpur, No 2 Gate, Bohaddarhat, Badurtala, Shulokbohor, Mohammadpur, Kapashgola, Katalganj, Bakolia, Firingibazar, Chandgaon, Agrabad CDA Residential area, Tin Pooler Matha, Riajuddin Bazar, Chaktai-Khatunganj, Kalarpole, Boro Pole, Halisohor and some other areas of the city. Besides, the rain water also gushed into several hundred business establishments in Riajuddin Bazar and Khatunganj area, causing huge losses to the traders. “The rain may continue for three more days till August 9 due to a depression over the Bay”, said Ujjal Kanti Das, assistant meteorologist of Patenga Weather Observatory Centre.Heavy rain triggers severe waterlogging in Ctg for 4 days

After weeks of sizzling heat and humid condition, much-awaited monsoon rains brought relief to people in the capital on Wednesday. The capital witnessed moderate showers from 11am  which continued to drench the city for several hours. Met office recorded 12 mm of rainfall in the capital from 12 noon. Some office goers suffered while going to their work places in the morning.