DND water-logging increasing locals’ miseries

The recent series of rainfalls have devastated the everyday lives of those living in the Dhaka-Narayanganj-Demra (DND) area, with many residents reported to be marooned and institutions being inundated, reports UNB.

Locals are also alleging that the rainwater is mixing up with the dumped chemicals from nearby factories, polluting those in contact with the contaminated water.

Authorities at the DND pump house said that water was already flowing in the main canal above danger level even before the rains began.

During a recent visit, it was found that the home of Amir Hossain, a resident of Sadar upazila's Kotalerbag area, was inundated waist-deep.

He said that the dyeing chemicals mixed with the flood water have damaged most of the furniture in his house.

Amena Begum, a resident of South Sastapur area, said that this year the water-logging was the worst she has ever seen.

The areas of Masdair, Gabtali, Lamapara, Tagarpar and others of Sadar upazila have all been inundated to a great degree, including the neighbouring zila parishad office, Fatullah Khan Shaheb Osman Ali Cricket Stadium and others.

Deputy divisional engineer of Shimrail DND pump house Abdul Jabbar said that if there is no further rainfall, then the existing pumpers will be able to extract 500cusec water per second, enabling the water levels to fall in the next 3-4 days.

Project director of Development of Drainage System of DND Abdul Awal has said they have taken a project involving Tk 5.58 billion to solve the problem of the area.

He expected the project work to commence from November, also adding that the DND area residents will have to adjust to the crisis, which will be resolved by 2019.