Blue network of canals likely to make Dhaka liveable

The interim government is contemplating establishing a 'blue network' using Dhaka's canals with an eye to making the city more liveable, environment adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan said on Saturday.

To this end, she suggested that a key development authority or Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (RAJUK) conduct weekly operations to reclaim the illegally occupied canals.

The adviser laid stress on the necessity to plant grass in Dhaka's open spaces using community spirit to enhance liveability of the city and its ecosystem.

She said this as the chief guest at a workshop styled 'Spatial and Temporal Changes in Dhaka City's Urban Ecosystem, Landscape and Biodiversity over the Past 100 Years and Formulation of a Strategic Action Plan'.

The Centre for Environmental and Geographic Information Services (CEGIS) hosted the event at the Forest Department headquarters in Agargaon administrative area on Saturday, according to a statement.

Ms Rizwana further emphasised that the urban planning of Dhaka must prioritise greening, biodiversity conservation and wetland preservation.

She called for environmentally compatible urban development plans, stressing the need for coordinated efforts among all departments to protect and expand green and wetland areas.

Environment, forest and climate change secretary Dr Farhina Ahmed, Dhaka North City Corporation administrator Md Mahmudul Hasan, RAJUK chairman Maj Gen (retd) Md Siddiqur Rahman Sarkar and chief conservator of forests Md Amir Hosain Chowdhury also spoke.

Meanwhile, an exposition to showcase alternatives to banned polythene shopping bags will be held today (Sunday) on the premises of the Department of Environment at Agargaon.

[email protected]