Cholo Khaal Bachai campaign revives Dhaka’s Ramchandrapur Canal

In observance of World Environment Day 2025, Footsteps Bangladesh led a two-day cleanup of the severely polluted Ramchandrapur Canal under its ongoing Cholo Khaal Bachai campaign. The initiative, held on 20 and 21 June, mobilised 150 waste workers and 180 volunteers with a unified goal: to restore water flow to one of Dhaka's most neglected canals and reintegrate it into the city's drainage and water management system.

Long reduced to a dumping ground choked with years of accumulated waste, stagnant water, and toxic build-up, the Ramchandrapur Canal had ceased to serve its intended purpose. The Cholo Khaal Bachai drive marked a turning point, combining direct action, community engagement, and environmental advocacy to spotlight the vital role of urban canals in strengthening climate resilience. Volunteers contributed to raising awareness among local residents, assisting with logistics at the cleanup site, supporting medical and safety operations, monitoring canal conditions, and beautifying the area through wall painting.

The campaign welcomed several notable guests, including Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser for Environment, Forest and Climate Change of Bangladesh; Mohammad Azaz, Administrator of Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC); and senior representatives from IDLC Finance Limited, the campaign's official sponsor. Visitors toured the site, interacted with volunteers and community members, and addressed the media during a scheduled briefing—further amplifying the importance of collective action in reversing urban environmental decline.

Speaking at the event, Syeda Rizwana Hasan underscored, "There is absolutely no justification for disposing of waste into our canals—regardless of any delays or disruptions in municipal waste collection. Such actions only deepen our environmental challenges. We must hold ourselves to higher standards. Our organisation is committed to raising public awareness on proper waste management, and we will continue working with communities to promote responsible and sustainable practices for a cleaner, healthier future."

The campaign is also focused on long-term sustainability by installing waste bins at adjacent tea stalls and shops and conducting door-to-door awareness sessions to discourage the use of the canal as a dumping site. Footsteps Bangladesh is working closely with its partners to secure resources aimed at maintaining the canal for at least one year. Cholo Khaal Bachai has been supported by IDLC Finance Limited, Dhaka North City Corporation, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change of Bangladesh, and medical partner Ekagra.