'Floating market in exchange for waste' launched to help clean Buriganga

A joint initiative by the Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) and Bidyanondo Foundation, titled "Floating Market in Exchange for Waste", was launched at Sadarghat today (19 September).

The initiative aims to raise awareness about waste management and reduce pollution in the Buriganga.

It was formally inaugurated at Sadarghat Launch Terminal in the morning, according to a press release.

Speaking as the chief guest, Dhaka South Administrator Md Abdus Salam said the Buriganga River, once central to Dhaka's development, is now threatened by illegal encroachment and indiscriminate waste dumping.

He said the initiative will remind residents, businesses and communities along the river that protecting the Buriganga is a shared responsibility.

Salam said steps are also being taken to restore the Buriganga, Dhaleshwari, Shitalakshya, Balu and Turag rivers for navigation.

The administrator said Dhaka South is also working to recycle waste into electricity, gas, compost and diesel, with initial activities expected to begin within months.

Under the initiative, plastic and other waste collected from the river and its banks can be exchanged for essential commodities.

During the launch, people collected waste from the Buriganga banks and exchanged it for daily necessities at the temporary floating market.

A launch was decorated and used as the temporary floating market, where rice, lentils, flour, oil, fish, chicken and noodles were offered in exchange for collected waste.

Salam also announced a three-month special cleanliness and dengue prevention programme across all 75 Dhaka South wards. Daily cleaning drives will be conducted, with special drives every Saturday.

He urged residents not to allow water to accumulate for more than three days in coconut shells, air-conditioner trays, rooftops and drains to help prevent dengue and chikungunya.