Khulna: Khulna City Corporation (KCC) Administrator Nazrul Islam Manju has called for a transformation of Khulna into a clean and green city, emphasizing the critical link between cleanliness and the prevalence of mosquitoes and mosquito-borne diseases.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Manju shared these views during a meeting titled ‘Voluntary Initiatives to Control Environmental Pollution in Khulna City Corporation’ at the GIZ auditorium of Nagar Bhaban. He highlighted the ongoing inspections across different wards to identify and eliminate obstacles to cleanliness, which he noted are essential to addressing the city’s waterlogging issues.
At the meeting, a concept paper on waste management was presented by Prof Dr Md Wasiul Islam from Khulna University. This paper, prepared by Khulna Paribesh Surakkha Mancha, outlined the interconnected nature of pollution types-water, air, noise, and polythene-with waste management. It identified polythene waste as a significant factor clogging drains and exacerbating waterlogging during the rainy season. Although Khulna’s drainage system, consisting of 22 canals, is designed to manage water flow, its effectiveness is compromised by encroachment and other challenges.
Manju also mentioned the Prime Minister’s nationwide initiative to plant 5 crore trees this year, indicating that Khulna will participate in this large-scale tree plantation effort. He announced plans to gather public opinions on the initiative “What kind of Khulna we want” to guide future actions.
The meeting underscored the importance of public awareness in fostering a healthy urban environment. Suggestions included organizing cultural programs and involving teachers and imams to enhance social and environmental education. Emphasis was placed on the need for behavioral changes among citizens and the use of volunteers to support these initiatives.
Ward No. 27 has been chosen as the pilot area for implementing the proposed waste management concept paper. The meeting was attended by various officials and activists, including Advocate Kudrat-e-Khuda, Treasurer Ajanta Das, and several other civic and environmental leaders, who all voiced their support for the initiative.