Torrential rains have led to waterlogging and overflow of drains in various parts of Kurigram district town, disrupting daily life of the people.

Due to poor drainage system, encroachment and filling of canals and longstanding mismanagement have worsened the situation, turning even light rain into a major ordeal for residents.

Alongside the district towns, the condition of the upazilas is even worse while overflowing drains, garbage accumulation and stagnant water have rendered many roads nearly impassable.

During a visit to different parts of the district town on Tuesday afternoon, including DC Pond, Fire Station area, Deputy Commissioner’s office premises, Hatir Par, Boishya Para, Hospital Para, Mistri Para, Madhur intersection, Harijan Palli, PTI premises, Mojida College, and Thanapara — the UNB correspondent found many drains clogged due to years of neglect.

Some have been encroached or filled with earth, while others have collapsed or narrowed, preventing rainwater from draining properly and causing widespread waterlogging.

Residents and commuters have been facing immense suffering due to the waterlogging and poor drainage system.

Many allege that the drainage system has been dysfunctional for the past 16 years. During heavy rain, drains overflow and water enters homes, yet municipal authorities have taken no permanent steps to resolve the issue.

Fazlul Haque Farazi, a resident of No 6 Ward, said, “The situation has remained the same for 16 years. Every time it rains, the town goes underwater.”

Syed Ahmed Babu, a resident from no 4 Ward said, “There’s been heavy rainfall since last night. Water couldn’t drain out and our house is still flooded. It’s become very difficult to move around.”

Fatema Begum, another resident of No 3 Ward said, “Every year, whenever it rains, dirty drain water enters my kitchen. The drains are never cleaned regularly — that’s why we suffer like this again and again.”

Subal Chandra Roy, in-charge of the Rajarhat Agricultural Meteorological Observatory in Kurigram, said Kurigram recorded 102 millimeters of rainfall in the past 24 hours as of Tuesday, with more heavy rain expected in the coming days.

Hossain Mohammad Hai Zaki, chief executive officer of Kurigram Municipality, said, “This is a longstanding problem. No significant work has been done in the past 16 years. We cannot solve this overnight. However, we’re planning to repair old drains and install new blocks. For now, we’re removing illegal structures from the drains to allow water to flow.”