Dhaka:The government is actively working on the restoration, reclaiming, and beautification of Dhaka's canals, while also aiming to reduce pollution in the rivers surrounding the capital, according to State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development, and Cooperatives, Mir Shahe Alam.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Mir Shahe Alam emphasized the cooperative effort required to protect rivers and canals and maintain a clean environment. He urged all stakeholders, including Dhaka residents, to participate actively in these efforts. This announcement was made during his inspection of the Jirani Canal in the Nandipara area under wards 74 and 75 of Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC).
The state minister stressed that the government is not making unrealistic promises of transforming the country into Singapore or Australia overnight. Instead, the focus is on gradually developing a clean, beautiful, safe, and livable Dhaka, acknowledging the current realities.
Plans include constructing retaining walls and walkways along both banks of 26 canals in DSCC and 29 canals in Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) to improve environmental conditions, prevent illegal encroachment, and create recreational spaces for residents. Additionally, there is an initiative to treat sewage at treatment plants before it is discharged into rivers, with a committee already engaging in field-level activities.
Mir Shahe Alam assured that the government would provide necessary policy, technical, and administrative support for these initiatives. DSCC Administrator Md Abdus Salam mentioned that funds have been allocated for electricity, drainage, and infrastructure in newly incorporated DSCC areas, yet more funding is needed for comprehensive development.
As part of landscaping and pollution prevention measures, eight effluent treatment plants (ETPs) will be built. The project also involves removing 149 illegal structures recorded under CS records and 1,590 structures identified under the Water Act 2013. Challenges include demarcating canal boundaries, removing illegal structures, addressing obsolete culverts, improving sewerage systems, and acquiring necessary land.
The event was attended by State Minister for Railways and Road Transport and Bridges Habib-ur-Rashid Habib, Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister ABM Abdus Sattar, Local Government Division Secretary Md Shahidul Hasan, Water Resources Ministry Secretary Dr. AKM Shahabuddin, and senior officials from Bangladesh Navy and DSCC.