Waste-based power plant to clean up Dhaka: LGRD minister

After establishing the country's first even waste-based power plant at Amin Bazar under the Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC), the roads, footpaths and canals of the capital will be free from waste.

Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operative (LGRD) Minister Md Tazul Islam made the comment while visiting the dumping station (landfill) at Amin Bazar on Saturday. DNCC Mayor Atiqul Islam was present during the visit.

They also visited a mechanical workshop at Gabtoli.

"Around 3,000 tonnes of waste will be needed per day after the establishment of the power plant. An eco-park will be also be established," said Tazul.

He further said, "We will sign an agreement with a foreign company to produce power from the waste-based plant. Production at the power plant will start within 18 months of signing the agreement."

"Although the foreign company demanded a little more time, the matter will be finalised during the signing agreement," he added.

The LGRD minister said the waste-based power plant is his dream project and the government will not tolerate any corruption here.

He also questioned why hospitals in Dhaka do not have their own waste disposal plants.

The minister said all the illegally occupied places under the city corporation will be vacated very soon.

DNCC Mayor Atiqul Islam said the wholesale kitchen market of Karwan Bazar was supposed to be shifted to Amin Bazar and Jatrabari, but it has not been done yet due to many challenges.

"Initially, we talked to the traders of Karwan Bazar. We will sit down with them again. They are making different demands from time to time, but we are not getting their demands in a written form," he added.

"Such a chaotic market like Karwan Bazar cannot be allowed in Dhaka city. Karwan Bazar needs to be set up according to a beautiful design," said the DNCC mayor.