Chattogram: Terming illegal occupation of canal land as a big problem in Chattogram, City Mayor Dr. Shahadat Hossain said the canal excavation work will continue to resolve water-logging in the port city. ‘Some buildings have been built grabbing the land of canals, which have been blocking the normal flow of water. I want to make it clear, if there is any illegal structure on the land of canals to reduce the suffering of the people, we will demolish it. As our main goal is to free the city residents from water-logging,’ he added.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Dr. Shahadat made these remarks while inaugurating cleaning and excavation work of Chaktai Diversion Canal (Birjakhal-Bou Bazar) of Ward No. 19 in the city’s Baklia area. The city mayor highlighted that Birjakhal has essentially become a dustbin rather than serving its purpose as a canal.
He noted that the canal has almost disappeared due to neglect in cleaning, resulting in severe water accumulation during the monsoon. Residents face water levels from waist to neck during rains, leading to a terrible situation. Locals have expressed concerns about how they can get rid of this water-logging, and the mayor assured them that all necessary initiatives are being taken to alleviate the issue quickly.
Dr. Shahadat emphasized that his current focus is to reduce water-logging in the port city, particularly in low-lying areas. The main goal is to eliminate water-logging and provide relief to the people. Cleaning activities have been ongoing for three to four months, with every canal being addressed.
He also mentioned that the water-logging relief project under the CDA will not conclude this year and is expected to be completed by June-July next year.
Chief Cleaning Officer Commander Ikhtiar Uddin Ahmed Chowdhury, Deputy Chief Cleaning Officer Pranab Sharma, and Mayor’s Personal Assistant Maruful Haque Chowdhury were among the attendees at the event.