Despite being celebrated as the “city of magic,” Dhaka often transforms into a “city of waterlogging” with continuous rainfall. Efforts by the city’s two corporations to address this issue have been insufficient, as heavy or prolonged rain quickly inundates the streets, causing significant inconvenience to residents.
On Friday, the city experienced 60 millimeters of rain in just three hours, starting at 6 am. Despite early warnings from the weather department, the slow drainage of water led to widespread frustration among the residents. This resulted in social media outcry and criticism of the city officials.
Pedestrians and job seekers faced severe difficulties, with many roads resembling canals, making it impossible for rickshaws or CNG-run autorickshaws to operate. Many individuals, including Tawhida Sumi from Mirpur 2, were unable to attend important exams due to the waterlogged streets. Business activities were also hampered, with shops opening late and experiencing a lack of customers.
Rickshaw pullers, like Ruhul Amin, struggled to find passengers due to submerged roads. The Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) has formed teams to clear blockages and ensure quick drainage, but Mayor Atiqul Islam cites public negligence, such as discarding waste in canals, as a significant cause of the persistent problem.
The DNCC is working on reclaiming canals and constructing drains before roads to provide a long-term solution. Both city corporations have urged residents to report waterlogging issues to their emergency hotlines: 16106 for DNCC and 01709900888 for Dhaka South City Corporation.
