Govt to restore 56 canals in city

The government has launched a major project to reclaim and restore 56 canals across capital city under DNCC-DSCC to reduce waterlogging, protect environment and create a cleaner and more livable city.

This disclosure was made by State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mir Shah Alam on Saturday, while inspecting a canal cleaning site at Muslim Bazar Canal in the capital’s Mirpur-12.

To implement this project, two separate committees have been formed to oversee the recovery of 27 canals under the jurisdiction of the Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) and 29 canals under the Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC).
 DNCC Administrator Md. Shafiqul Islam Khan was present at that time.

Mir Shah Alam said once the canals are freed from encroachment, their boundaries will be demarcated and guide walls will be constructed along both sides to ensure their permanent protection.

“If Dhaka’s canals cannot be preserved, the city may eventually become uninhabitable. Protecting and restoring these waterways is essential for the well-being of city residents, and we need everyone’s cooperation,” he added.

State minister noted cleanup operations are currently underway in canals of all sizes under the two city corporations, adding, the campaign will continue on a regular basis.

He alleged insufficient efforts were made over the past 19 years to safeguard canals and other water bodies. The current government, he said, has intensified cleanliness drives across the capital city, from neighbourhood streets to major waterways.

Warning against indiscriminate waste disposal, the minister said legal action and fines will be imposed on individuals found dumping garbage into canals or along roadsides.

 Md. Shafiqul Islam Khan said the DNCC city corporation is working to provide residents with a modern, clean and odour-free urban environment. He emphasized development and public service initiatives will continue in line with citizens’ needs and expectations.

According to him, since June 5, authorities have removed 416 truckloads of silt, sludge and waste from the Muslim Bazar Canal.

 He added regular cleaning drives are also being carried out across the city as part of efforts to prevent dengue outbreaks.

Responding to a question from journalists, Shafiqul Islam Khan said the DNCC will strengthen coordination with the Dhaka Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (WASA) and the Dhaka Electric Supply Company Limited (DESCO) to avoid repeated excavation of the same roads during infrastructure works.

Following the inspection, the minister and the DNCC administrator visited surrounding areas to observe ongoing cleanup and maintenance activities.