Rajshahi, Aug 17 (V7N) — At least 30 families in Bojrapur village under Parila Union of Paba Upazila, Rajshahi, have been trapped in stagnant water for weeks due to an artificially created waterlogging situation. According to local residents, the only drainage outlet in the area has been deliberately blocked by a group of influential villagers, resulting in severe disruption to daily life.
 
The affected residents report that the main drainage channel, which allowed rainwater to flow out of the village, was forcefully closed using soil, sacks, and tree trunks. Allegedly, the blockage was carried out by a few local individuals, including Abdus Salam and Akkas, along with their family members, despite having no land ownership in the area.
 
Residents describe a deteriorating situation: water entering homes, damaged furniture, inability to dry clothes, disruption of children’s education, and serious health and mobility challenges. The stagnant water has also led to an increase in mosquitoes, insects, and even snake sightings, raising concerns about sanitation and safety.
 
Jomrul Mollah, a resident, said, “That drain was the only way water could exit our village. Now, water floods our homes. We have to wade through knee-deep water. Children can’t go to school, and it’s impossible to bring a doctor if someone falls ill.”
 
He added, “We sweep the house every day, but the water keeps coming in. Clothes won’t dry, and we can’t cook in our kitchen. Some people have developed sores on their legs from standing in water day after day.”
 
Sumaiya, a sixth-grade student at a local madrasa, said, “When I walk to school, my feet are soaked, and my books get wet. I haven’t been able to attend school for several days.”
 
Housewife Nazma Begum shared, “The water is inside the house. How can we cook or do laundry? Mosquitoes, insects, snakes — they’re part of our daily life now.”
 
Parul Khatun, an elderly resident, said tearfully, “We sleep only when the water subsides. As soon as it rains again, we’re flooded. The children scream in fear. Even our cattle are getting sick from the cold.”
 
Several young men in the village said they are unable to go to work due to the conditions, and others avoid visiting the area entirely. “It feels like we are trapped in a water-locked land,” one said.
 
The affected residents have filed a written complaint with the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Arafat Aman Aziz and have also approached the local Union Parishad Chairman for immediate intervention. Authorities have acknowledged the complaint, but no resolution has been reported as of yet.
 
Local environmental observers note that with climate-related rainfall patterns intensifying, artificial obstructions to water flow in rural areas can lead to dangerous, long-term consequences for health, livelihood, and infrastructure if not addressed promptly.
 
END/MRA/SMA/