Md. Tushar Ahmed from Solongga:

The ancient and greater historical ‘Solongga Hat’ in Raiganj upazila of Sirajganj district is now plagued with various problems including traffic gridlock, illegal encroachment, water-logging and disgusting odor of the wastes.

Traffic congestion occurs throughout the year at important places including the switch gate and Madrasa Morh and New Bridge area, also the entrance to the Hat.

Especially on the days of the Hat, the buyers, sellers and even local commuters have to suffer greatly due to traffic jams. Hat and the surrounding areas are waterlogged due to lack of drainage. The trading of buyers and sellers is disrupted for mud, water-logging and stench. Traders expressed their anger as they can’t carry their selling and buying activities comfortly. Locals said, the condition of Solongga Hat has turned to this situation for want of drainage system and lack of development.

It can be seen on the ground that, the Solongga market is held on Monday and Thursday of the week. Due to the lack of dumping ground and proper drainage system, the market’s wastes are dumped here and there that causes stink across the whole area. The accumulation of wastes from chicken market, fish market and other spots, movement of people becomes very difficult. It has made difficult for buyers and sellers to take breathe. Especially due to the dirty water from the fish market and Chicken droppings, the surrounding shopkeepers and homeowners are struggling to survive. Knee-deep water accumulates in various parts of the market including Kadamtala due to a little rainfall, insides said.

They urged the authorities concerned to take necessary steps for the development of the market as soon as possible.