Late monsoon rain disrupts life in capital

Residents and commuters in different parts of the capital suffered immensely on Sunday as heavy morning rain left roads waterlogged until late afternoon.
The suffering was particularly acute in Rajarbagh, Arambagh, New Market and the Dhaka Medical College area, where water failed to recede quickly through the drainage system.
Waterlogging also brought traffic around the Mouchak-Malibagh Flyover and Kakrail areas to a standstill, with many vehicles avoiding the Rajarbagh ramp of the flyover and taking the Kakrail route instead.
Biker Shakil Ahmed told the Daily Sun that the diversion of vehicles towards Kakrail was causing traffic congestion.
“The road under the flyover near Rajarbagh goes under water even after a little rain, and the water remains there for hours. It causes trouble for passengers and can also affect vehicle engines,” he said.
In a press release, Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) said its cleaners and other teams had intensified field-level operations to clear drainage lines and reduce waterlogging. 
DSCC Administrator Md Abdus Salam visited several waterlogged areas, including Doel Chattar, Dhaka Medical College, Palashi intersection and New Market, where he supervised drainage and waste removal activities and issued necessary instructions to officials concerned, the release said. Heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms from around 4am caused temporary waterlogging in some low-lying areas and sloping roads under the DSCC jurisdiction.

To reduce public suffering, DSCC cleaners and emergency response teams were deployed from early morning. They continued clearing drain inlets, removing accumulated waste and pumping out water from affected areas. Drives were also conducted to clear footpaths of encroachments and ensure smooth pedestrian movement.
During the inspection, the DSCC administrator expressed dissatisfaction with the cleanliness operations.
“Although instructions were given for workers to begin operations from Fajr time, the directive was not fully implemented. Heavy overnight rain disrupted regular cleaning activities, but after the rainfall subsided, work did not resume at the expected pace in some cases,” he said, warning that negligence in carrying out instructions would not be tolerated.
Blaming indiscriminate waste disposal and public unawareness for aggravating waterlogging, Salam said polythene bags, tea cups and plastic waste dumped on roads often clog drains and obstruct the natural flow of water.
He reiterated that hawkers would not be allowed to occupy roads under any circumstances. However, hawkers may be accommodated on some wider footpaths under specific rules, provided pedestrian movement is not affected, he said, adding that any such arrangement would be finalised through discussions with hawker leaders.
The administrator also warned of strict legal action against those violating the rules.
Chief Waste Management Officer Air Commodore Md Mahbubur Rahman Talukdar and other DSCC officials were present during the inspection.