INVESTIGATION ON CAUSES AND EFFECTS OF WATERLOGGING IN THE SOUTHERN PART OF BANGLADESH

Abstract

Noakhali Pourashava is an important municipality in southern Bangladesh, faces severe waterlogging problems every year during the monsoon period. The present study aimed to investigate the major causes of waterlogging and its negative effects on life, from the viewpoint of people residing in different areas of Noakhali Pourashava, various government, non-government, development organizations as well as various stakeholders including experts. It has been found that Noakhali Pourashava experienced waterlogging during peak monsoon season in ward no. 1, 2, 4, 5, and 8. Most of the inhabitants/respondents of the Noakhali Pourashava claimed that lack of drainage facility; excessive rainfall; inadequate, low capacity and conventional drainage system; natural siltation; improper waste management; absence of proper inlets and outlets; and blockage and encroachment of existing drainage are responsible for waterlogging. It has ascertained that the water logging becomes a burden for the inhabitants of the Pourashava and creating adverse effects on livelihood, society, infrastructure, economy and environment. Other notable adverse effects of waterlogging are disruption of traffic movement and normal life, structures and infrastructure damage and loss of income potentials with a lot of sufferings. The stagnant water acts as a breeding site for the vectors of various diseases and becomes a health hazard to people residing in the waterlogged area. The current study suggests that close coordination among Pourashava authorities, local government agencies and a strong collaboration between public and private sectors as well as local people participation are essential for solving the waterlogging problem effectively and sustainably.