Jhalokathi, July 27 (V7N) – Even light rain is enough to flood the entrance of the central alley in Mirer Hat Bazar of Putiakhali, Rajapur Upazila in Jhalokathi, causing severe waterlogging and disrupting both business and pedestrian movement.

The worst-affected stretch extends from Mamoni Cloth Store to Hazrat's Vegetable Stall, and includes Pan Bazar, Bepari Tailors, Shikdar Store, Mridha Enterprise, Kuddus's Shop, and Madina Tailors. Water remains stagnant in front of these shops for hours, turning the busy commercial zone into an inaccessible swamp.

Shopkeepers say the situation has become unbearable. “Just a brief rain is enough to flood the front of our stores with knee-deep water. Customers don’t want to come, and those who do suffer greatly. Sales have dropped significantly,” one store owner reported.

Pedestrians, too, are having a hard time. Residents complain that moving through the alley has become a daily nightmare. "To cross from one side to the other, people are forced to wade through dirty, muddy water. This affects students, the elderly, and patients the most," said a local resident.

Despite the ongoing problem, locals claim that no effective steps have been taken by authorities. The absence of a proper drainage system is causing water to stagnate and flow to back up.

Residents fear that if swift action is not taken to construct drainage infrastructure and restore proper water flow, commercial activity in the area could grind to a halt. They are urging local representatives and government officials to take immediate steps to construct drains and ensure water is channeled away properly.

As monsoon conditions continue, the people of Putiakhali’s Mirer Hat Bazar await urgent intervention to restore normalcy in their daily lives and livelihoods.

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