Rabindra Sarobar stage remains flooded at night even after rain eases

The waterlogging has led to questions about the effectiveness of planned developments in Dhaka

A morning of torrential rain led to hours of waterlogging in many parts of Dhaka. While the water eventually receded, several parts of the capital, including the Rabindra Sarobar amphitheatre in Dhanmondi, remained flooded as of Friday night.

The heavy shower in the morning caused the water level of Dhanmondi Lake to rise, submerging the stage and its adjacent walkway.

Although the walkway was eventually cleared of water, the stage remained flooded.

The location – a popular spot for young people and cultural enthusiasts – was still submerged around 8:30pm.

Plastic bottles, polythene, and other debris floated in the murky water, and street children were seen collecting the plastic bottles floating along.

Several young men were seen playing the guitar and chatting in the gallery of the amphitheatre, drawing a crowd.

Among them were Aslam and Hafiz, students of Dhaka College.

Aslam, who gave a single name, told bdnews24.com: "The rain stopped in the afternoon, yet the Rabindra Sarobar stage is still submerged at night. Is this the result of planned development?”

“Why does the water linger for so long after just a few hours of rain? This is due to negligence."

Hafiz, who also gave a single name, said: "As far as I know, there is a system to drain excess water from the lake. If it worked properly, the water shouldn't be pooling like this."

In 1996, the undivided Dhaka City Corporation undertook the development of Dhanmondi Lake, creating the Rabindra Sarobar stage for the recreation of the city's residents.

The Dhaka South City Corporation, or DSCC, has divided its jurisdiction into seven sectors and leased them out.

The Rabindra Sarobar stage is in sector 7, managed by Golam Rabbani Hiru and his company 'Four R Trading.'

When asked about the water accumulation, Hiru told bdnews24.com: "We can't remove the water if the lake's water level rises. This is handled jointly by the City Corporation and WASA”

“There is a gate towards Panthapath through which water drains to Hatirjheel. I don't know why the water isn’t draining now."

“This is not the first time the stage has been submerged. It gets submerged during heavy rain," said Hiru.

The New Market area was also underwater around 11pm and the water had not receded from areas surrounding Motijheel.

Many other low-lying areas of the city faced similar issues.