Water-logging leaves 200 families stranded at Tungipara

GOPALGANJ, July 27: More than 200 families in a village of Gopalganj's Tungipara Upazila are enduring severe hardship this monsoon as water-logging inundates roads, homes, kitchens and even graveyards after every spell of rain.

Residents of Madhyapara Village under Patgati Union say they have been suffering from the problem for nearly a decade due to the lack of a proper drainage system despite repeated promises from local representatives.

"Whenever it rains, we have to remove water from the road with buckets. Otherwise, it is impossible to tell whether it is a road or a pond," said Ibrahim Sheikh, a resident of the village.

He said the then upazila nirbahi officer (UNO)  had promised to construct a drain after visiting the area last year, but the plan was never implemented following the official's transfer.

According to local sources, more than 500 families from six extended families live in the village, which also has six graveyards, four mosques, two madrasas and four community learning centres.

Residents said over 200 households, along with all six graveyards, are submerged during the rainy season almost every year, causing immense suffering for worshippers, students and local families.

Muktar Ali, another resident, said the situation becomes particularly distressing when someone dies during the monsoon.

"A few days ago, we faced enormous difficulty burying a man named Siraj because the graveyard was under water. Even now, his grave remains submerged," he said.

Imam Abdur Rahman Sheikh of a local mosque said the road leading to the mosque goes under water after only a few days of rain, making it difficult for worshippers to attend prayers.

"The stagnant, dirty water in front of the mosque also creates hygiene concerns," he added.

Several residents, including Sirajul Fakir, Nasir Sikder, Syed Atiar Rahman and Mujibur Sheikh, said most families in the village cook on traditional stoves and many cannot afford cooking gas.

"As our kitchens and courtyards remain under water, some families survive on one meal a day while others are forced to eat at roadside restaurants," they said, urging the authorities to establish a permanent drainage system.

Tungipara UNO Jahirul Alam acknowledged the problem, saying the low-lying upazila frequently experiences water-logging during heavy rainfall.

After learning about the situation, he said, he instructed the panel chairman to take immediate steps to drain the accumulated water.

"The administration is closely monitoring public suffering, and we will take the necessary measures as quickly as possible," the UNO said.