Come monsoon, thousands of people in the district of Feni suffer from waterlogging and flooding every year. Locals and experts have identified five reasons behind the recurring waterlogging that also affects agriculture, business, communication system and livelihoods.
A breach in the embankments of Muhuri and Kohua rivers, silt blocking the channel of Small Feni River, grabbing of various rivers and canals, and illegal construction on drains have been mentioned as the reasons behind waterlogging.
Besides, the poor drainage system is also affecting the villages of Musapur and Char Injiman.
Chairman of Dagonbuiyan upazila Didarul Kabir Ratan said the temporary dams built on the Feni river were not removed even after starting the Musapur regulatory. “This has resulted in silt blocking the outlet of the regulatory. At least 30 villages of Feni Sadar and Dagonbuiyan upazilas are under water. Thousands of people are marooned due to the stagnant water,” he added.
Kamal Uddin Mazumdar, chairman of Porshuram upazila said: “The continuous rain and rushing hill water has breached the embankments in Muhuri and Kohua Rivers. More than 20 villages of Fulgazi and Porshuram have been inundated. Though water has begun to recede, the flooding has caused extensive damage to people and crops. If it rains again, the villages will experience a fresh spell of flooding.”
Meanwhile, Sonagazi upazila Chairman Kamrul Alam blamed the recent cyclonic storm Komen for the flooding. “Sonagazi is always a victim of cyclones. The low-lying areas of the upazila are always under water. We have asked the authorities to take a permanent measure but nothing has been done yet.”
Chairman of Feni Sadar upazila Abdur Rahman said the water drainage system of the town had been greatly hampered by the construction of illegal structures on the drains. Also grabbing of various rivers and canals had contributed to the waterlogging, he added.
When contacted Executive Engineer of Water Development Board, Ramzan Ali, said: “The situation has become worse due to the silt in the Small Feni River. We have issued a work order to excavate the river, but it could not be done due to the monsoon. Also, we have sought Tk10 crore to repair the Muhuri embankment.”
Feni Deputy Commissioner Humayun Kabir Khandkar said no canal or drain grabber would be spared. “We will take action and free the drains and canals from illegal possession soon.”
Nizamuddin Hajari, Awami League’s MP from Feni-2 constituency, assured to look into the crisis personally. “I will see whether there is any negligence on part of the Feni administration. No corruption will be tolerated. If necessary, I will also talk to the prime minister to alleviate the sufferings of the people.”
