Drainage Crisis in Ghorashal: Roads Flooded by Light Rain, Residents Suffer

Despite development in the area, residents of industrial Ghorashal Municipality in Palash upazila of Narsingdi are facing severe disruption due to an unplanned drainage system and persistent waterlogging. Even light rain submerges several important roads and residential areas, causing serious hardship for residents.

There is a severe lack of an effective drainage system across much of the municipality. Most of the few partially existing drains have not been cleaned for a long time and are now completely blocked by polythene, waste and garbage. As a result, rainwater and household wastewater cannot drain properly.

In many areas, there are no proper natural or artificial channels for water to flow. Water therefore remains stagnant for days, while major roads and residential areas have developed large potholes, making them difficult to use.

The drainage situation is particularly poor in Bhangalpara and Palash Charpara near Pran Gate in Ward No. 4; Tengorpara and North Charpara in Ward No. 6; and Tekpara, Khalishar Tek, Miyapara and South Charpara in Ward No. 7. Even a small amount of rain floods roads and residential areas in these neighbourhoods.

Students, office workers and pedestrians are facing severe difficulties as a result. Stagnant water has also led to a serious increase in mosquitoes, raising the risk of dengue and other waterborne diseases. Water entering homes and businesses is also causing financial losses for low- and middle-income residents.

Mahabub, a resident of Tengorpara village in Ward No. 6, said, “We have been demanding a permanent drainage system from the authorities for a long time, but no effective solution has been found. The drainage system is ineffective in most areas of the municipality. Even a little rain submerges most areas and roads of the municipality. Occasional token repair work does not help solve the main problem.”

Mobarak, a resident of Bhangalpara, said, “Even a little rain submerges the roads and houses in these areas. Life has become unbearable because there is no effective drainage system in the municipality.” Asadul Haque, a resident of Khalishar Tek and Miyapara, said, “The municipality must build planned drains, recover occupied canals and ensure regular waste removal. If quick action is not taken, civic life in Ghorashal Municipality will become even more disrupted.”

Chief Executive Engineer Kazi Md Abu Obayed said, “A project to develop a planned and sustainable drainage network in line with the municipality’s master plan is under process. I am hopeful that we will be able to play an effective role in solving the drainage problem within the next six months.”

Ghorashal Municipality’s acting administrator and Palash Upazila Executive Officer Ishtiaq Ahmed said, “A master plan covering the entire municipality is being prepared, and a DPP (Development Project Proposal) is being prepared. Under this, we will send a proposal worth around Tk 50 crore to the Ministry of Local Government. We hope it will be approved, as our local MP is now the minister of this ministry. If it is approved, we are including all the road and drainage problems you mentioned in the proposal. InshaAllah, these problems will be solved.”