Solution breeds new problems

A year ago Chittagong Port Authority built a dam across Moheshkhal in Chittagong city to ease the waterlogging problem of Agrabad and Halishahar areas caused by rain and tidal water.

Although it largely solved the waterlogging problem in Agrabad CDA, Halishahar, Chotopul, and Boropul areas, a new problem arose as the initiative brought misfortune upon residents of South Middle Halishahar area in ward no. 37 and 38 under the CCC, who are now experiencing flood for the obstruction of the canal's natural water flow, according to the residents.

The 120 feet long and 30 feet high dam was built near Port Republic Club in September last year on Moheshkhal, the second largest natural canal system in the port city.

Areas south to the dam that never saw waterlogging and flood, are now experiencing flood during a tidal surge in the canal this year, alleged residents.

“For the last three days people cannot come out of their houses due to knee to waist-deep water on the road nor stay inside as water has entered the low lying areas,” complained Azhar Mia of Munsipara.

Locals wade through ankle-deep murky water in Adarshapara, one of the affected areas.

“Some are even putting bricks underneath their bed to increase its height. We have never experienced such flooding before,” he alleged.

“While returning home on Friday we found that the roads were filled with murky water and had to wade through it,” said Kamrul Hossain, a resident of Maizpara and principal of Holy Kids Grammar School.

Several others, including Swarup Dutta Razu of Hindupara echoed.

Residents of Adarshapara, Hindupara, Munsipara, Sheikhpara, Dhuppara, Ishan Mistrir Hat and Eshak Depot, where flood is occurring during full and half-moon every month, demanded its removal.

Locals said floods occur two to three times a month; on each occasion, tidal water floods the locality twice a day and water remains stagnant for at least three hours.

People of the affected areas also went to dismantle the dam on May 21 this year and had a clash with the police, leaving a few injured, said Zahedul Islam, assistant commissioner of CMP (court zone).

Locals under the banner of “Ward 37 and 38 Conscious Citizens' Society” also presented a memorandum to CPA demanding to remove the dam on July 13, but to no avail, said Morshed Alam, convener of the committee.

CPA Member (Planning and Administration) Zafar Alam, however said, “The accusation that the dam is the only reason behind the flooding is not correct.”

“The increase in tidal surge or siltation of the canal might be the reason. As people are killing the canal by dumping waste and encroaching upon it, we are facing these problems. We have to return the canal to its original condition,” he said.

He said the demand of removing the dam was also not logical.

“A team of the Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology is working on a design of a sluice gate (tidal regulator), which would help to reduce their sufferings,” said Zafar, adding, “Hopefully we would get the design next week.”

Khairul Alam, joint secretary of Greater Agrabad and Halishahar Waterlogging Mitigating Committee, said waterlogging problem in their areas was largely solved after the dam was built.

But it was not a permanent solution, he said, acknowledging the waterlogging problem of the new areas. “We want a solution that would reduce waterlogging in all the areas,” he stressed.