We will demolish illegal structures on both sides of city’s canals: LGRD Minister

Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives (LGRD) Minister Md Tajul Islam has said that all the canals in the capital will be cleaned and structures built by illegally occupying both sides of the canals will be demolished.

The task will be completed with the cooperation of the mayors of both city corporations, councillors, the administration, and people from all walks of life, said the minister while addressing the reporters after the inauguration of the Dhaka South City Corporation's (DSCC) Interim Waste Transfer Center on Wednesday, read a press release.

"Since the canals have been transferred from Wasa, both the mayors are working diligently to clean up the canals and demolish illegal structures," said Md Tajul Islam.

Earlier in the day, with the mayor of Dhaka South, the LGRD Minister visited: Nandipara Bridge (Jirani Khal), Sukh Nagar Bridge (Khilgaon-Basabo Khal, Jirani Khal, Manda Khal, and Segunbagicha Canal junction), Pump Station, Kamalapur Canal, Shyampur Canal, and Panthakunj Park Box Culvert.

The minister said that a work plan has been finalised with the participation of both the mayors, after several meetings led by the ministry, to ensure the proper maintenance and beautification of all the canals in the city.

About mosquitoes, the minister said, "The Aedes mosquito population is well under control at the moment, which both city corporations accomplished with the support of the ministry. Right now, Culex and Anopheles mosquitoes have increased in number. However, they are not very dangerous so, there is no need to panic. We are all working together to protect the city dwellers from mosquitoes."

He also stated that besides raising public awareness, if the canals and drains of the capital can be properly cleaned, city dwellers will get relief from these mosquitoes.

Responding to a question from reporters on the issue of waterlogging, the minister said he is hopeful that this year the city will face fewer waterlogging situations as the Dhaka North and South City Corporations are working tirelessly under the direction of the ministry.

At Wednesday's event, local leaders, including senior officials of the Local Government Department and Dhaka South City Corporation, were present, among others.