Mayor Shahadat Hossain orders permanent solution to Chattogram waterlogging
- Update Time :Tuesday, July 14, 2026
Mayor inspects Agrabad flood-hit areas after record rainfall
CTGMAIL News Desk
Date: July 14, 2026 | ChattogramFollowing several days of record-breaking rainfall in Chattogram, the city administration has intensified efforts to identify the underlying causes of waterlogging in different neighbourhoods instead of relying solely on temporary drainage measures. Chattogram City Corporation (CCC) says it is conducting field inspections to determine why water accumulates in specific locations and how permanent solutions can be implemented.
On Tuesday, Mayor Dr. Shahadat Hossain visited the Chattogram Fire Service and Civil Defence office at Agrabad Chowmuhani along with surrounding areas, where heavy rainfall recently left roads and nearby communities inundated. The inspection was carried out in coordination with officials from the Fire Service and Civil Defence to assess drainage conditions and identify obstacles preventing rainwater from flowing normally.
The mayor instructed senior officials of the city corporation to prepare an immediate action plan aimed at reducing recurring waterlogging in the area.
City Corporation focuses on long-term drainage improvements
During the inspection, the mayor directed Chief Conservancy Officer Captain Ikhtiar Uddin Ahmed Chowdhury and Chief Engineer Anisur Rahman to determine the engineering and maintenance measures required for a lasting solution.
According to the city corporation, officials are currently mapping locations that experienced severe waterlogging during the past week’s exceptionally heavy rainfall. Each location is being examined individually to understand why water remained trapped despite existing drainage infrastructure.
The administration says the objective is not only to remove stagnant water quickly during heavy rain but also to eliminate the structural and environmental factors responsible for repeated flooding.
Waste accumulation identified as a major cause
Preliminary observations suggest that blocked canals, drains and natural waterways played a significant role in worsening the situation in several parts of Agrabad and neighbouring wards.
Officials said waste materials dumped into canals and drainage channels have restricted the normal flow of rainwater, causing water to overflow onto roads and residential areas during intense rainfall.
The inspection particularly focused on Wards 23 and 24, where repeated complaints of waterlogging have been reported in recent years.
Commercial waste blamed for blocking drains
The mayor said inspections found that waste generated by nearby commercial establishments was contributing to drainage blockages.
According to him, discarded foam sheets, packaging materials, polythene, cork sheets and other waste from automobile showrooms and electronics businesses were found inside drains and canals.
Such materials prevent water from flowing freely and significantly reduce the capacity of drainage networks during heavy rainfall, leading to rapid accumulation of water on streets.
He warned that improper disposal of commercial waste not only creates environmental hazards but also increases public suffering during the monsoon season.
Legal action warned against irresponsible waste disposal
Mayor Shahadat Hossain said businesses failing to manage their waste responsibly could face strict legal action.
He warned that if commercial operators continue dumping waste into drains, canals or public spaces, the city corporation will consider imposing fines and other penalties under existing laws. In serious cases, imprisonment may also be pursued where legal provisions allow.
The mayor emphasised that protecting Chattogram’s drainage system requires cooperation from both businesses and residents.
He also appealed to citizens not to throw household waste into drains, canals or waterways, saying public awareness remains an essential part of preventing waterlogging.
Canal cleaning programme planned for Agrabad area
As part of the city’s response, the mayor announced plans to clean several important water channels in the Dewanhat-Agrabad corridor.
Among the waterways identified for urgent cleaning are the Nasir Khal Chhara and Lalmia Khal Chhara, both of which play a vital role in carrying rainwater away from densely populated neighbourhoods.
City officials believe restoring the natural flow of these canals could significantly reduce waterlogging during future periods of heavy rainfall.
Representatives from the Fire Service and Civil Defence, former councillor Niaz Mohammad Khan, officials from relevant departments of Chattogram City Corporation and local political leaders were also present during the inspection.
While authorities acknowledge that heavy rainfall cannot be prevented, they argue that improving drainage maintenance, removing illegal waste dumping and restoring natural water channels will help minimise future disruption and improve the city’s resilience during the monsoon season.
