Sylhet: A Taka 4,635 crore project has been undertaken to protect Sylhet city residents from floods and waterlogging, Sylhet City Corporation (SCC) Administrator Abdul Quiyum Choudhury said today. He stated that once implemented, the project would permanently alleviate these issues for city dwellers.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Choudhury made these remarks while addressing the inaugural session of a workshop jointly organized by SCC and SNV Netherlands Development Organisation at a hotel in the Dargah Gate area. He highlighted that Sylhet city once boasted around 900 ponds and stagnant water bodies, but many have been filled and occupied over the years, exacerbating the issue of waterlogging.
The water-holding capacity of the Surma River has significantly declined, leading to waterlogging even after brief periods of rainfall, Choudhury noted. Special emphasis is being placed on recovering water bodies, with several already restored, as part of the project. Additionally, the city corporation is prioritizing drainage improvements by cleaning drains and canals and restoring water-flow routes.
Choudhury remarked that the benefits of these efforts were already visible, as Sylhet city experienced no waterlogging despite excessive rainfall causing flooding in other cities across the country. He emphasized the importance of water bodies not only for rainwater retention but also for maintaining urban environmental and drainage balance.
Initiatives are underway to recover encroached or filled-up ponds and water bodies in phases, he added. The administrator stressed that creating a liveable city requires the collective effort of relevant agencies and residents. He urged residents to refrain from dumping waste into drains, canals, and water bodies and to support the recovery efforts.