Construction of buildings on drainage land raises waterlogging concerns in Kulaura's Rabirbazar
Raju Ahmed, Kulaura (Moulvibazar)
Allegations have surfaced regarding the construction of buildings and shops by encroaching upon the roadside drainage space in Rabirbazar, a traditional business hub in Kulaura Upazila under Moulvibazar district.
As a result, the drainage system has been disrupted, leading to waterlogging in various parts of the market even after light rainfall. Local residents and traders fear even greater distress in the future due to unplanned construction and drain encroachment.
On Thursday afternoon, a spot visit to various areas, including the Tilagaon Road in Rabirbazar, revealed that structures and shops have been built over the drains on both sides of the road. In some places, goods have been placed directly on top of the drains to conduct business. This has created obstacles to water flow and severely disrupted pedestrian movement.
According to local sources, Rabirbazar is a major center for transport, commerce, and trade for people across six unions in Kulaura Upazila. Thousands of buyers and sellers gather here every day. The historic Rabirbazar Jame Mosque is located in the heart of the market, and several tourist spots surround the area. Around 5,000 people reside in the adjacent Prithimpasha village. Rainwater from the area flows through the drains on both sides of Tilagaon Road on the western side of the market and empties into the Tama Gang stream. This drainage network serves as the primary outlet for water discharge in the locality. However, due to drain encroachment, unplanned structures, and blocked water channels, normal flow is heavily hindered. Locals report that even minimal rainfall causes water to enter nearby homes and business establishments.
Residents and traders complained that following previous allegations regarding waterlogging, officials from the Upazila Administration inspected the market on multiple occasions and instructed that drains must not be blocked and water flow channels must be kept active. Despite these directives, certain individuals continue to erect structures over the drains at their own discretion, raising growing concerns over the planned development and drainage system of Rabirbazar.
Furthermore, setting up shops and keeping merchandise on the drains along both sides of the market roads forces pedestrians to face severe hardships while walking. In addition, illegal parking and unauthorized vehicle stands set up in various spots frequently cause traffic jams, leading to immense suffering for shoppers, traders, and the general public.
Abdul Hai Selu, Vice President of the Rabirbazar Traders' Association, said, "We are suffering greatly due to the lack of a proper drainage system in the market. Many people block the drains or build structures over them, preventing water from draining easily. We urge those who have built structures on the drains to construct their buildings leaving adequate space for the drains and ensuring uninterrupted water flow.
Selim Ahmad Chowdhury, Acting Chairman of Prithimpasha Union Parishad, stated, "The Union Parishad has repeatedly attempted to keep the market's drainage system functional and ensure that buildings on both sides of the road are constructed leaving space for the drain. People were also asked to consult the Union Parishad before erecting any structures.
Addressing the issue, Kulaura Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Sanjida Akter , I will discuss the issue of Rabirbazar's drainage system, waterlogging, and building construction over the drains with the local chairman and take necessary measures.
