At this stage, our persistent waterlogging problem, beyond being damaging to millions of people, has become a symbol of urban mismanagement. We have spoken time and time again about our unsustainable and unplanned urbanization, and waterlogging shines an ugly light on this issue, exacerbating our already feeble infrastructure. With each monsoon season, over and over again, we get submerged, turning streets into canals and disrupting the daily lives of millions.
Unchecked urbanization has led to the disappearance of crucial water bodies, and this loss of natural drainage and water retention areas has severely compromised the ability to cope with heavy rainfall. Of course, compounding the problem is littering and dumping practices, which frequently clog the existing drainage systems, further impeding water flow.
However, while the daily disruption of life and the unproductivity waterlogging creates is a definitive economic issue, arguably the more alarming consequence is its impact on public health. Dengue was the worst in Bangladesh’s history last year, taking over a thousand lives. Stagnant water resulting from poor drainage is an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes.
This connection between waterlogging and dengue, together with all the other issues that persist, underscores our immediate need to develop a more comprehensive approach to not only urban planning but also public health management. Despite repeated promises from the authorities, we appear to be no closer to finding solutions for our waterlogging woes.
As the capital continues to grow, we must do a better job of solving its waterlogging issues if we want to safeguard public health, ensure economic stability, and ultimately, create more liveable conditions for our future generations.
