A landowner has been accused of blocking a long-standing drainage culvert in Charkadira Union of Kamalnagar Upazila of Lakshmipur and building a shophouse. Local residents fear that this will disrupt the drainage of various areas in Andarchar Union of Sadar Upazila of Noakhali. They fear that if alternative drainage arrangements are not made soon, agricultural crops may be damaged and waterlogging may occur in vast areas.
According to local sources, there is an old culvert in front of Char Falkon Siddique Dakhil Madrasa located in ward number 6 of Charkadira union number 8 of Kamalnagar upazila. Locals claim that water has been flowing through this culvert for about 20 years. Water from different areas of Andarchar union of Noakhali Sadar upazila flows through this culvert and crosses the next three culverts before finally falling into the Bhulua river.
Locals complain that if this important drainage route is closed and shops are built there, the normal flow of water will be obstructed. This can cause water to accumulate in the surrounding agricultural lands and homes during the rainy season, causing damage to crops and property. Therefore, they have demanded that an alternative water drainage system be ensured before closing the culvert.
Habibullah Bahar, former principal of Char Falkon Siddiqia Dakhil Madrasa, said that water flows through the culvert in front of the madrasa, which also flows through the madrasa grounds. In this situation, it is important to ensure alternative water drainage before closing the culvert. Otherwise, the water flow may be obstructed, leading to various problems.
Mohammad Sirajul Islam Sawkat Howlader, president of the madrasa’s management committee, said that closing the culvert without creating an alternative route for the necessary water drainage could have adverse effects. Therefore, if it is necessary to close the existing culvert, an alternative culvert should first be built at a suitable location to keep the water flow flowing.
Local resident Mohammad Israfil said that water from different areas of Andarchar Union of Noakhali Sadar Upazila crosses this culvert and three other culverts and falls into the river. Therefore, before closing the current culvert, an alternative culvert should be constructed at another place to provide drainage. A decision should be taken to close the existing culvert only after ensuring alternative arrangements.
Local residents Mohammad Bahar and Jasim said that if the culvert is closed now, there is a risk of damage to agricultural crops due to the lack of water drainage system. Therefore, it is necessary to take immediate and effective steps to avoid suffering of the people of the area and damage to agriculture.
Regarding the complaint, Md. Sayed Ullah Majhi said that the place is my own and I have taken the settlement from the government. I have talked to the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) about shifting the culvert to another place. I have not completely closed the culvert; I have left some way for the water to flow.
Kamalnagar Upazila Executive Officer (UNO) Rahatuzzaman said, “We are aware of the matter. Necessary action will be taken in view of the complaint.”
The locals demand that the administration should quickly investigate the matter and take necessary steps to keep the long-standing water drainage system operational. They also hope that effective initiatives will be taken to protect agricultural land, homes and the interests of the public by ensuring alternative water drainage systems.