75pc water-logging in Ctg addressed: report to chief adviser

A progress report presented to Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus today stated that 75 percent of water-logging in Chattogram city has already been addressed.

The report was shared at a meeting held at the state guest house Jamuna in Dhaka, where officials reviewed infrastructure projects aimed at mitigating water-logging in the port city.

Chattogram Divisional Commissioner Muhammad Ziauddin presented the findings, noting that 88 percent of four major projects taken to alleviate water-logging have been completed.

Chief Adviser's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder said the Chief Adviser had instructed during his May 14 visit to Chattogram that water-logging be reduced by at least 50 percent within the year.

In line with that directive, the Bangladesh Army's 34 Engineer Construction Brigade participated in implementing key projects. Brigadier General Shamsul Alam said, "Although the Chief Adviser set a 50 percent target, through collective efforts and sincere cooperation, 75 percent of water-logging has already been addressed."

The number of waterlogged spots in Chattogram fell from 113 in 2023 -- where water remained for 8-9 hours -- to just 21 in 2025, now limited to 2–4 hours. Officials said the number is expected to drop to 10 by next year and reach a tolerable level by 2027.

However, weak waste management was identified as the biggest obstacle. On average, 800 tons of waste is deposited daily in Chattogram's rivers, canals, and khals. CCC officials said the city produces 3,200 tons of waste daily, of which 2,700–2,800 tons are disposed of, leaving excess waste that clogs drains.

Multiple feasibility studies have been conducted to modernise waste management, and CCC urged the government to make swift decisions.

Expressing satisfaction, the Chief Adviser said, "The first phase of water-logging mitigation in Chattogram has been completed. Now we will move to the second phase." He instructed agencies to submit written plans and directed the Divisional Commissioner to coordinate efforts.

CDA Chairman Nurul Karim reported that 12 pumps are being installed at Chaktai Khal, with 10 already operational. Once complete, they will remove 24 crore liters of water daily.

CCC officials thanked residents for giving up land and praised BNP and Jamaat leaders for funding canal renovations.