The historic saline Jhorjhari canal flowing through the southern part of Sitakunda municipality in Chattogram has become nearly dead due to encroachment, pollution, and mismanagement. Once a vital natural drainage route carrying mountain runoff from Chandranath Hill to the sea, the canal has lost its navigability and flow, causing severe waterlogging across the area during monsoon rains.

Local residents report that influential groups have occupied sections of the 7.5-kilometer canal, constructing shops, warehouses, and houses along its banks. Unplanned dumping of waste has filled the canal bed, blocking water flow and leading to prolonged flooding in low-lying areas such as Chaudhurypara, Hasan Gomosta Mosque area, Amirabad, and West Mirabad. Homes, roads, and even government offices, including the Upazila Executive Officer’s residence, have been inundated, raising concerns over damage to official documents.

Farmers say hundreds of acres of crops are destroyed annually due to waterlogging, harming the local economy. The Upazila Executive Officer stated that proposals have been sent under the national canal excavation program to restore the Jhorjhari and other canals once funding is approved.