Rajshahi, August 9 (V7N) — Several roads across Rajshahi city have recently undergone major development projects, including widening of streets and the construction of large roadside drainage systems. Iron slabs and drain covers were installed on footpaths as part of these initiatives. However, a new and dangerous problem has emerged: widespread theft of those metal covers, turning the upgraded footpaths into hazardous zones for pedestrians.
 
What was once seen as a positive urban transformation has now become a public safety concern. In many places, particularly along the 3.5-kilometer stretch from Bilshimla Bondho Gate to City Hat, nearly two-thirds of the footpath covers have been stolen. The road, which was recently widened and beautified with road dividers and modern lighting, now presents deadly traps for unsuspecting pedestrians.
 
Eyewitness accounts and a recent ground investigation confirm the severity of the issue. Local residents reported that after August 5, iron drain covers across approximately 2.5 kilometers of that stretch have been stolen overnight. As a result, the footpaths that were once used for early morning or late-night walks are now largely avoided due to the risk of injury.
 
One resident, Redwanul Haque, a teacher from the Koyerdara area, explained, "The city corporation had installed the drains and iron slabs as part of the new road expansion. But now, those slabs are disappearing, leaving open holes in the footpaths. Several people have already been injured after falling into them."
 
Amzad Hossain, a resident of the city’s Upashahar neighborhood and a regular walker, shared a similar experience: "I used to walk daily for health reasons. Just a few months ago, these footpaths were perfectly safe. Now, I can’t walk without risking a fall. It’s simply not safe anymore."
 
City officials from the Rajshahi City Corporation (RCC) have acknowledged the problem. An official source said that hundreds of drain covers have gone missing and confirmed that the RCC plans to file official theft complaints with local police. The official also urged residents to assist the authorities by reporting suspicious activity and protecting public infrastructure.
 
Residents blame the absence of an active city council and a lack of police patrols for the increase in thefts. Previously, local councillors monitored such issues, but the city council is currently inactive, and enforcement has weakened. Locals say the situation has emboldened thieves who are now stripping the city’s infrastructure with apparent impunity.
 
As the issue continues, residents demand immediate action from authorities, including increased police presence, community vigilance, and the use of theft-resistant materials. Without intervention, what began as a model of urban development could spiral into a serious public safety and governance failure.
 
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